l\l- 


Cralrle  aaoU 
department 


BY 


ELIZABETH  W.  SUDLOW 


,       JUM  131921 


BV   1537    .S82   1919 

sudlow,  Elizabeth  W. 

?Se  cradle  roll  department 


( 


iJUN  131921 


X^ 


%0G 


i:i)e  Crable  EoU 
©epartment 


BY  / 

ELIZABETH  W.  SUDLOW 


!AL  %l>lii^ 


1919 
THE  WESTMINSTER  PRESS 

PHILADELPHIA 


Copyright,  1915, 
By  F.  M.  Braselman 


Contents; 

PAGE 

I.  History 7 

II.  Organization 11 

III.  Congratulations 15 

IV.  Cradle  Roll  Assistants 18 

V.  Financing  the  Cradle  Roll 25 

VI.  Securing  New  Members 28 

VII.  Advertising  the  Department 32 

VIII.  Records 34 

IX.  Wall  Rolls '47 

X.  The  Cradle 40 

XI.  Displ.\ying  the  Baby's  Picture 42 

XII.  Remembering  Birthdays 44 

XIII .  Cradle  Roll  Welcome 48 

XIV.  The  Cradle  Roll  Class  or  Nursery 51 

XV.  When  the  Death  Angel  Comes ,56 

XVI.  Transferring  a  Cradle  Roll  Membkk 59 

XVII.  Promotion  Day (H 

XVIII.  Cradle  Roll  Day 1)9 

XIX.  Special  Days 75 

XX.  Christmas 77 

XXI.  Souvenirs  for  Special  Seasons 80 

XXII.  Cradle  Roll  Parties 86 

XXIII.  The  Cradle  Roll  and  Missions 90 

XXIV.  The  Pastor  and  the  Cradle  Roll 93 

XXV.  A  Mothers'  Auxiliary 95 

Appendix 105 


jForeluorb 

The  real  purpose  of  the  Cradle  Roll  is  to  secure  co- 
operation between  the  home,  the  Sunday  school,  and 
the  church  in  the  training  of  the  child  during  the  first 
years  of  its  life ;  to  bring  to  the  parents  a  sense  of  their 
great  responsibility  toward  the  baby  and  its  relation- 
ship to  God  and  his  Church  at  a  time  when  their  hearts 
are  most  tender,  and  to  put  upon  the  Church  in  a  strong 
way  its  responsibility  in  caring  for  even  the  smallest 
of  God's  children.  Through  the  Cradle  Roll  comes  an 
unusual  opportunity  for  personal  work  on  the  part 
of  pastor  and  superintendent  because  of  their  easy 
access  to  the  home  and  heart  of  parents  through  baby. 
This  is  particularly  true  where  the  family  is  not  con- 
nected with  any  church  organization. 

The  lasting  results  in  every  branch  of  the  work, 
however,  depend,  first,  upon  the  spiritual  life  of  the 
person  in  charge,  and,  second,  upon  the  thoroughness 
of  the  organization.  The  chapters  in  this  volume  deal 
with  methods  whereby  the  Department,  whether  large 
or  small,  may  be  helped. 

The  great,  threefold  principle  underlying  all  this 
work  is  to  help  the  baby,  the  home,  and  the  school. 
The  bab}^  is  helped  by  the  love  we  show  it,  and  the 
strong  influence  of  early  church  surroundings;  the  home 
by  the  interest  not  only  in  baby,  but  in  every  other 

5 


JforetDorb 


member  of  the  family;  the  school  by  enlisting  the  inter- 
est of  pupils  of  all  ages  in  these  little  ones,  and  by  in- 
creasing its  membership  in  every  department. 

No  school  is  so  small  that  it  can  afford  to  neglect 
this  work,  and  no  school  is  so  large  that  it  has  outgrown 
the  need  of  the  babe  "in  the  midst." 

Jesus  said,  "Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto 
me."  How  shall  they  come  except  they  be  brought? 
And  it  is  the  privilege  of  the  Cradle  Roll  superintendent 
to  invite  them.  Parents  may  be  willing  to  allow  their 
names  to  be  enrolled  because  of  the  beautiful  wall  roll 
which  is  used,  or  because  of  the  good  times  which  are 
provided  at  the  little  parties.  It  may  be  through  some 
special-day  service  that  they  have  been  brought  into 
the  church,  or  because  of  the  birthday  card  or  Httle 
holiday  remembrance  which  baby  has  received.  At 
any  rate,  baby  is  a  member  of  the  school,  and  as  the 
result  of  its  presence  we  find  the  parents  and  other 
members  of  the  family  with  a  deepened  interest  in 
things  of  a  spiritual  nature. 


In  1877  an  Infant  Class  teacher  in  a  Baptist  school 
in  Elizabeth,  New  Jersey,  conceived  the  idea  of  gather- 
ing the  names  of  the  wee  brothers  and  sisters  of  the 
little  ones  in  her  class  and  enrolling  them  in  a  birthday- 
book  as  an  auxiliary  to  the  Foreign  Missionary  Society 
of  the  church.  About  seven  years  later  the  organiza- 
tion was  known  as  the  Cradle  Roll.  The  work  spread 
from  denomination  to'  denomination,  until  in  1889 
it  was  mentioned  at  the  International  Sunday- School 
Convention  held  in  Atlanta.  Not  much  emphasis  was 
placed  upon  the  importance  of  the  work,  except  that 
it  was  described  as  ''one  strand  of  a  threefold  cord  to 
bind  the  Sunday  school  to  the  home."  The  first  official 
Cradle  Roll  report  given  at  an  International  Sunday- 
School  Convention  was  in  Denver  in  1902,  when  eleven 
hundred  and  sixteen  departments  were  reported,  with 
an  unknown  membership.  Up  to  this  time  the  Cradle 
Roll  was  considered  not  much  more  than  a  fad,  a  pretty, 
sentimental  adjunct  to  the  Primary  Department.  A 
certificate  of  membership,  on  which  the  names  were 
inscribed,  a  birthday  record  book  and  some  birthday 
cards  were  about  all  the  equipment  necessary.  To 
procure  the  name  of  a  baby,  and  to  send  the  birthday 
card,  was  the  chief  duty  of  the  Cradle  Roll  superin- 

7 


8  ^fje  Crable  l^oW  department 

tendent.  Cradle  Roll  certificates  of  membership  were 
first  used  in  the  Tabernacle  Presbyterian  Sunday  School 
of  Indianapolis,  Indiana.     This  was  in  1896. 

Gradually  the  importance  of  the  work,  with  its  almost 
unlimited  possibilities  for  reaching  others,  was  under- 
stood, until  now  no  well-organized  school  is  considered 
complete  unless  it  has  a  real,  live,  working  Depart- 
ment. It  is  a  very  essential  part  of  the  Sunday-school 
and  church  life.  As  the  work  became  better  known  it 
spread  until,  at  the  International  Sunday-School 
Convention  held  in  Chicago  in  1914,  over  a  million 
babies  were  reported  as  enrolled  on  44,268  Cradle  Rolls 
of  North  America. 

"Before  this  Brigade  of  sweet  innocents, 
Old  Evil  can  never  stand!" 

Only  babies!  but  how  their  influence  has  been  felt  in 
the  Sunday-school  world!  Because  baby  was  enrolled 
at  birth,  he  attended  school  at  an  earlier  age  then 
formerly.  The  Primary  teacher  was  troubled  wdth  the 
problem  of  presenting  a  lesson  which  equally  suited  the 
understanding  and  needs  of  a  four-  or  five-year-old  child 
and  those  twice  that  age.  Her  task  had  not  been  easy 
before  this,  with  children  of  all  ages  up  to  ten  or  twelve 
to  care  for.  The  attendance  of  these  little  tots  made 
it  heavier,  so  Primary  teachers  asked  for  lessons  suited 
to  the  years  and  understanding  of  the  younger  children. 
In  1902  the  first  recognized  course  of  Beginners  lessons 
was  used.  These  worked  so  well,  and  the  Primary 
teachers  were  able  to  accomplish  their  work  so  much 


I^isitorp 


more  satisfactorily  after  the  little  ones  were  removed 
to  a  class  by  themselves,  that  they  asked  to  be  relieved 
of  the  older  children,  to  form  a  Junior  Department. 
Graded  lessons  have  since  been  prepared  for  all  these 
departments,  Beginners,  Primary,  and  Junior,  and  also 
for  the  teen  years. 

When  baby  was  on  the  Cradle  Roll  the  parents  were 
often  aroused  to  feel  their  responsibility  toward  it  and 
their  need  of  Bible  study,  and  to  become  members  of 
the  Home  Department,  thereby  keeping  in  touch  with 
the  school.  When  baby  was  old  enough  to  enter  the 
Beginners  Class,  sometimes  father  or  mother  brought 
him  to  Sunday  school  and  became  members  of  the 
Bible  classes.  Many  parents  were  in  the  school,  but 
a  great  many  more  ought  to  have  been  there.  Since 
the  adult  Bible  class  movement  has  been  launched 
hosts  of  parents  have  been  gathered  in,  and  the  influence 
of  this  banding  together  of  Christian  men  and  women 
has  been  felt  throughout  the  entire  nation.  Of  course, 
being  identified  with  Sunday  school  means  that  the 
men,  and  women,  too,  will  be  active  in  all  forward 
movements,  and  throw  their  united  forces  into  the 
fight  for  prohibition,  clean  government  and  everything 
else  that  leads  to  a  better  civic  life. 

Naturally,  as  a  part  of  the  Sunday  school,  they  are 
interested  in  missions,  and  so  the  gospel  is  being  carried 
to  the  ''uttermost  part"  more  rapidly  because  of  baby's 
having  become  a  member  of  the  Sunday  school. 

Sunday  schools  now  demand  trained  teachers,  but 
even  teachers  trained  to  the  highest  point  of  efficiency 


10  tE^ije  Crablc  i^oll  department 


accomplish  but  a  small  part  of  what  they  set  out  to  do 
unless  the  parents  cooperate.  Therefore  community 
training  schools  have  developed  where  Sunday-school 
teachers,  public-school  teachers  and  parents  unite  in  a 
systematic  study  of  the  Book,  the  methods  and  the 
child,  and  endeavor  to  make  conditions  more  ideal  for 
bringing  up  the  child  in  the  way  he  should  go. 

A  part  of  the  whole  of  this  great  structure  is  the  baby. 
Neglect  the  Cradle  Roll  and  the  effect  will  be  felt 
throughout  every  department  of  the  school. 


n 
Organisation 

"Methods  are  many,  principles  are  few; 
Methods  may  vary,  principles  never  do." 

Of  the  multitude  of  organizations  of  which  the  Church 
is  composed  to-day,  there  is  none  more  in^ortant,  more 
deserving. of  the  highest  type  of  service,  more  far-reach- 
ing in  its  influence,  than  the  Cradle  Roll.  The  methods 
employed  in  carrying  on  the  work  are  many,  uut  very 
elastic.  They  may  be  made  to  fit  any  school,  large  or 
small,  city  or  rural.  The  principles  underlying  the 
work  are  the  same  everywhere,  and  never  vary;  first, 
to  surround  the  baby  in  the  first  impressionable  years 
of  his  life  with  Christian  influences;  second,  to  aid  the 
parents  to  a  proper  understanding  of  their  great  re- 
sponsibility toward  the  child  and  toward  the  Church; 
and  third,  to  bring  the  Church  to  a  fuller  reahzation 
of  its  mission  toward  the  children  in  its  midst. 

Although  the  methods  herein  described  may  seem 
appropriate  only  to  the  larger  school,  practically  all  are 
capable  of  being  adapted  to  suit  the  requirements  of 
the  small  school.  Indeed,  reports  from  schools  all 
over  the  country  have  shown  that  progressive  work  is 
to  be  found  in  many  smaller  schools,  and  in  the  rural 
districts  Cradle  Roll  superintendents  are  doing  most 
excellent  work. 

11 


12  Cte  Crable  3^oU  department 

Large  numbers  do  not  always  indicate  a  well-managed 
Department.  Much  better  a  smaller  number  enrolled, 
and  these  looked  after  personally,  than  a  larger  number 
of  names  and  the  roll  circularized.  Quality,  not 
quantity,  should  be  the  aim  of  the  superintendent. 
Large  numbers  are  desirable,  and  the  Department  may 
be  so  organized  as  to  care  faithfully  for  any  number, 
but  do  not  make  the  mistake  of  enrolling  a  baby  just 
for  the  sake  of  having  one  more  name  to  report,  and 
then  neglect  the  personal  contact  which  is  so  essential 
if  the  Department  is  to  live  up  to  its  opportunity. 

Cradle  Roll  Departments  with  but  a  single  baby  en- 
rolled are  not  uncommon,  and  where  the  school  is 
located  in  a  sparsely  settled  community  and  there  is 
only  one  baby  to  enroll,  it  speaks  well  for  the  enterprise 
of  those  in  charge  to  have  a  Cradle  Roll  for  this  one 
baby.  In  the  family  life  is  the  only  child  provided  for 
less  Hberally  than  where  there  are  several  to  share  with 
it?  In  the  sight  of  the  Father,  is  not  the  one  baby  of 
as  much  importance  as  the  many? 

Cradle  Roll  Departments  numbering  from  five  hun- 
dred to  a  thousand  babies  are  scattered  throughout 
the  country,  and  those  numbering  over  a  hundred  are 
very  numerous.  The  same  principles  apply  to  these  as 
to  the  smaller  organizations. 

Cradle  Roll  ideals  were  presented  during  the  Inter- 
national Sunday-School  Convention  held  in  Chicago 
in  1914,  resulting  later  in  the  following  suggestions, 
which  state  the  aim  and  mention  the  means  of  reaching 
the  aim. 


C^r  sanitation  13 


CRADLE  ROLL  AIM  AND  METHODS 

That  the  church  and  Sunday  school  may  cooperate 
with  parents  in  providing  early  religious  influence 
through  the  atmosphere  and  training  of  the  home  it  is 
desirable — 

1.  To  organize  a  Cradle  Roll  Department  for  little 
children  from  birth  to  three  (sometimes  four)  years  of 
age— 

(a)  With  a  Cradle  Roll  superintendent  and  addi- 
tional helpers  as  may  be  needed. 

(b)  By  a  public  record  of  names  and  permanent 
card  index  or  book  record,  including  baby's 
name,  address,  birthday,  age,  parents'  names, 
promotions,  and  so  forth. 

(c)  By  a  systematic  effort  to  secure  members  and 
prompt  recognition  of  membership  in  the  Sun- 
day school. 

(d)  By  registration  of  all  removals  and  the  cause. 

(e)  By  public  promotion  not  later  than  the  fourth 
birthday  *  to  the  Beginners  Class  or  Depart- 
ment. 

(f)  By  a  Cradle  Roll  class  in  the  Beginners  De- 
partment if  children  attend  before  formal 
promotion. 

2.  To  manifest  a  living  individual  interest — 

(a)  By  visiting  the  babies  and  their  parents  in  the 
homes. 

*  Cradle  Roll  membership  ceases  after  the  fourth  birthday. 
Even  if  Sunday-school  attendance  is  impossible,  transfer  should 
be  made  to  the  supervision  of  the  Beginners  superintendent  or 
teacher. 


14  ^f)t  Crable  ^oU  department 

(b)  By  prompt  recognition  of  birthdays. 

(c)  By  suitable  remembrance  in  case  of  sickness  or 
death. 

(d)  By  a  Cradle  Roll  Day  annually. 

(e)  By  a  welcome  to  babies  as  visitors  whenever 

present. 

(f)  By  invitations  to  babies  and  friends  on  special 
days. 

3.  To  promote  sociability  and  help  for  parents — 

(a)  By  an  occasional  social  affair  for  parents  and 
babies. 

(b)  By  mothers'  meetings  and  literature  pertain- 
ing to  baby's  care  and  training. 

(c)  By  parents'  class  in  Sunday  school. 


m 

Congratulations; 

A  little  attention  that  is  much  appreciated  by  a  new 
mother,  as  well  as  by  other  members  of  the  family,  is 
to  offer  congratulations  when  baby  is  born.  This  is 
done  in  various  ways.  A  few  flowers  may  accompany 
the  apphcation  card,  or  they  may  be  sent  alone,  fol- 
lowed by  a  visit  from  the  superintendent  as  soon  as 
the  mother  is  able  to  see  her.  At  this  time  she  will 
get  baby's  name  for  the  roll.  Or,  if  the  name  has 
already  been  sent  in  to  the  superintendent,  the  visit 
may  be  the  occasion  for  delivering  the  certificate. 

One  superintendent  who  has  been  very  successful  in 
enrolling  every  baby  in  the  community  upon  her  roll 
has  a  regular  '^follow-up"  system.  A  little  personal 
note  of  congratulation  is  first  sent  to  the  parents, 
followed  by  an  invitation  to  join  the  Cradle  Roll. 
These  are  always  WTitten,  and  on  note  paper  suited 
in  color  to  the  little  one — blue  if  the  baby  is  a  girl,  and 
pink  when  the  baby  is  a  boy. 

"We  have  heard  that  a  baby,  all  dainty  and  fair, 
From  the  arms  of  the  angels  has  come  now  to  share 
In  your  home;    and  we  know  that  your  joys  will  o'erflow 
As  you  welcome  this  babe  to  his  (her)  home  here  below. 
We  would  welcome  him,  too,  we  would  share  your  delight, 
On  our  white  Cradle  Roll  this  name  we  would  write. 
Won't  you  let  us  enroll  him  for  Jesus  to-day 
And  thus  start  his  feet  toward  the  Sunday-school  way?" 
15 


16  ^fje  Crable  3^011  department 

This  invitation  is  followed  by  the  application  card, 
then  a  personal  call,  and  after  baby's  name  is  received, 
by  the  certificate.  By  this  time  the  parents  appreciate 
the  fact  that  baby  is  really  wanted  in  the  Sunday  school, 
and  are  thoroughly  interested  in  at  least  one  depart- 
ment of  it. 

A  flower  fund,  toward  which  each  mother  contributes 
a  penny  a  month,  may  be  used  to  purchase  flowers  for 
the  mother  when  a  new  baby  arrives.  The  flowers 
are  sent,  with  a  card  of  congratulation,  in  the  name  of 
all  the  other  mothers  on  the  Cradle  Roll. 

Tiny  note  paper  three  inches  square,  edged  in  baby 
blue,  with  envelope  to  match  and  about  half  the  size, 
is  used  by  one  superintendent.  The  words,  "With 
sincere  congratulations,"  are  engraved,  and  the  little 
note  when  filled  in  reads: 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brown. 

With  Sincere  Congratulations 

to  you  from 

Miss  Kellogg, 

Superintendent  Cradle  Roll, 

First  Presbyterian  Sunday  School 

This  note  is  followed  later  by  a  visit  from  the  super- 
intendent. 

A  pretty  form  of  congratulation  is  a  little  homemade 
booklet  in  which  a  poem  on  motherhood  is  copied,  the 
pages  being  illustrated  with  pictures  of  tiny  baby  faces. 
The  cover  is  decorated  with  a  suitable  baby  picture. 

On  a  little  card  may  be  pasted  a  poem  suitable  for  the 
occasion,  many  of  which  are  to  be  found  in  the  Cradle 


Consratulationjf  17 


Roll  and  mothers'  magazines  of  the  day.  This  is  dec- 
orated along  the  edge  with  baby  faces.  The  superin- 
tendent writes  a  little  message  on  the  back. 

A  copy  of  some  Madonna  picture,  which  may  be  had 
at  very  little  cost,  is  another  good  gift  for  the  new 
mother. 

One  superintendent  gives  to  each  new  mother  a 
Baby  Record  Book. 


IT 

Crable  Jaoll  ^^^i^tmt^ 

The  Cradle  Roll  needs  so  much  personal  attention 
that  the  superintendent  requires  assistance  in  caring 
for  it.  A  secretary  who  takes  care  of  the  birthday  cards 
and  sees  that  they  are  delivered  on  time,  and  who  also 
does  certain  parts  of  the  clerical  work,  is  a  good  assist- 
ant. A  school  girl  will  take  pride  in  keeping  the  records 
clear  and  complete,  in  preparing  birthday  cards  for 
the  superintendent  to  sign,  and  in  sending  out  notices, 
invitations  and  other  things  of  this  kind.  Perhaps 
an  invalid  with  strength  enough  to  take  care  of  this 
part  of  the  work  would  be  thankful  for  the  opportunity 
of  serving  in  this  way. 

Where  there  is  a  Home  Department  connected  with 
the  school,  names  of  babies  may  be  secured  from  the 
visitors.  Indeed,  one  set  of  visitors  may  be  used  for 
both  departments. 

A  visitor  or  assistant  superintendent  may  be  ap- 
pointed whose  duty  it  is  to  deliver  the  birthday  cards. 
The  superintendent  and  helpers  prepare  them  a  month 
in  advance  and  give  them  to  the  assistant. 

"Little  Mothers,"  one  of  the  most  popular  organiza- 
tions of  Cradle  Roll  helpers,  is  composed  of  girls  from 
the  Primary  or  Junior  departments.     In  some  schools 

18 


Crablc  3^o\\  ^i^i^trntu  19 

the  boys  have  asked  for  something  to  do,  so  they  are 
called  ^'Little  Fathers."  ''Cradle  Roll  Brothers" 
and  "Cradle  Roll  Sisters"  perform  the  same  duties 
as  the  ''Little  Mothers"  and  "Little  Fathers,"  and  so 
do  members  of  the  "Cradle  Roll  Messenger  Corps," 
which  has  been  found  efficient  in  so  many  schools. 

Here  is  the  experience  of  a  superintendent  who  has 
successfully  used  " Little  Mothers " :  "As  soon  as  a  new 
baby  is  heard  of  or  is  enrolled  I  appoint  a  girl  from 
the  Junior  Department  as  its  'Cradle  Roll  Mother.' 
She  continues  to  act  in  this  capacity  until  baby  is  old 
enough  to  enter  the  Beginners  Class.  She  is  often  the 
person  who  brings  him  to  Sunday  school  until  he  is 
old  enough  to  come  by  himself,  and  to  any  special 
Cradle  Roll  service  or  party  if  the  mother  is  unable  to 
attend.  Or  she  accompanies  the  real  mother,  sharing 
with  her  the  honors  of  the  day,  as  well  as  the  care  of 
baby.  This  'Little  Mother'  acts  as  messenger  between 
baby  and  me,  delivering  messages,  birthday  cards. 
Cradle  Roll  paper  and  invitations  to  all  Cradle  Roll 
events.  This  reduces  the  expense  for  postage.  Some- 
times there  are  not  'Little  Mothers'  enough  to  go 
around,  and  then  I  call  on  the  older  girls  of  the  Primary 
Department.  When  it  happens,  as  it  has  on  several 
occasions,  that  there  is  still  a  shortage,  I  give  the  new 
baby,  if  it  is  very  young,  to  a  'Little  Mother'  whose 
charge  will  soon  be  graduating.  The  girls  are  most 
enthusiastic  over  their  part  in  the  Cradle  Roll  work; 
it  is  something  they  can  do,  and  is  helping  to  fit  them 
to  take  their  places  in  the  church  later  on." 


20  Cfje  Crable  3^oU  department 

Some  of  the  ways  in  which  these  httle  assistants  may- 
help: 

Every  month  they  deliver  a  Cradle  Roll  paper  to  the  mothers. 

They  deliver  all  invitations  to  parents  and  babies. 

They  notify  the  superintendent  if  baby  is  sick. 

They  often  bring  an  older  baby  to  Sunday  school  on  its  birth- 
day, or  else  bring  the  birthday  offering. 

They  meet  on  week  days  and  make  all  sorts  of  pretty  little 
things  for  the  babies,  valentines,  Christmas  cards,  May  baskets, 
Easter  cards  and  such  souvenirs. 

Many  pray  for  their  babies  every  day. 

Pretty  certificates  stating:     *' is  Cradle  Roll 

mother  to  Baby "  may  be  had  from  the  publishing 

houses,  or  the  superintendent  may  make  them. 

A  ''Cradle  Roll  Band"  is  an  organization  of  girls 
chosen  from  the  Junior  Department,  and  the  work 
is  much  the  same  as  that  of  the  ''Little  Mothers." 
One  superintendent  sent  the  Band  out  on  a  "Baby 
Hunt,"  and  so  successful  were  the  girls  in  rounding 
up  the  stray  babies  that  within  a  few  weeks  they  had 
doubled  the  membership.  A  business  meeting  of  the 
Band  is  held  once  a  month,  at  which  time  the  girls  tell 
all  about  the  babies  whom  they  have  visited.  Each 
girl  delivers  the  Cradle  Roll  papers  to  her  group,  so 
every  home  is  visited  at  least  once  a  month. 

Some  superintendents  employ  only  boys  as  assist- 
ants. They  are  organized  as  a  "Cradle  Roll  Messenger 
Corps. "  The  members,  chosen  from  the  Intermediate 
Department,  cheerfully  perform  any  duty  to  which 
they  are  assigned.  The  boys  report  to  the  superin- 
tendent at  the  close  of  Sunday  school  each  week. 


Crable  aaoU  ^sfgis;tant£f  21 

Often  superintendents,  when  looking  for  some  one  to 
help  with  the  detail  work,  overlook  the  most  enthusi- 
astic and  faithful  of  assistants,  girls  from  the  Inter- 
mediate Department.  They  work  well  under  the 
direction  of  an  older  person,  and  do  much  that  is  done 
by  the  younger  children;  help  to  arrange  programs  for 
special  services,  plan  unique  parties,  take  charge  of  the 
decorations,  and  even  care  for  the  babies  during  the 
hour  of  morning  worship  so  that  the  mothers  may 
attend  the  service.  And  when  it  comes  to  making 
gifts  and  souvenirs  for  baby,  no  one  can  turn  out 
nicer-looking  trifles  than  these  girls. 

If  no  superintendent  can  be  found  for  the  Cradle 
Roll,  a  girls'  class  may  assume  full  responsibility. 
One  girl  will  act  as  superintendent,  one  as  enrollment 
secretary,  another  as  birthday  secretary,  and  each  of 
the  others  will  have  some  definite  duty  to  perform. 

In  a  graded  school,  a  superintendent  found  in  each 
department  one  person  who  would  act  as  '^  Cradle  Roll 
Agent."  These  agents  are  supplied  with  notebooks, 
and  in  them  they  record  information  concerning  baby. 
The  books  are  inspected  regularly. 

Another  class  of  helpers,  taken  from  among  the  adults, 
is  Division  Superintendents,  or  Visitors.  When  a 
Cradle  Roll  numbers  more  than  twenty,  more  than 
one  person  is  needed  to  do  the  visiting.  One  method 
is  to  have  three  assistants ;  one  each  for  the  one-,  two-, 
and  three-year-old  babies.  The  superintendent  has 
general  oversight  of  the  whole  Department,  looks  after 
the  records,  and  with  helpers  prepares  birthday  cards 


22  tKlje  Crable  i^oU  Bepattment 

and  such  things,  but  the  actual  visiting  will  be  done 
by  the  Division  Superintendents.  It  would  be  an 
advantage  if  the  teacher  of  the  Beginners  Class  were 
secured  as  visitor  for  the  three-year-olds,  as  an  ac- 
quaintance with  her  future  pupils  could  thus  be  made 
in  the  home. 

Another  plan  calls  for  four  assistants.  One  quarter 
of  the  year  is  assigned  to  each.  The  four  work  together 
at  all  times,  but  each  quarter  the  chairman  is  changed, 
thus  distributing  the  responsibility.  The  superin- 
tendent is  in  charge  of  the  clerical  work,  and  oversees 
the  whole.  Birthday  cards,  as  far  as  possible,  are  made 
out  a  quarter  in  advance,  and  given  to  the  proper  chair- 
man. She,  in  turn,  assigns  to  the  other  three  helpers 
some  of  these  cards  for  delivery.  Whenever  possible 
the  superintendent  accompanies  the  assistant  when  a 
certificate  is  to  be  delivered,  so  that  she  may  become 
acquainted  with  the  new  baby  and  mother.  Every 
quarter  something  of  a  social  nature  is  given,  the  chair- 
man for  that  quarter  being  hostess. 

The  superintendent  may  enlist  the  aid  of  a  number  of 
ladies,  each  of  whom  agrees  to  visit  five  babies  during 
the  month.  Return  post  cards  are  helpful  in  this  work. 
One  side  may  read. 

Will  you  please  call  on  the  following  babies 

during  the  month  of and  report  on  attached 

card  before  .     Please  add  any  information 

concerning  these  families  you  deem  advisable  for 
me  or  the  pastor  to  know. 

The  reverse  side  may  read, 


Crable  iaoll  ^^^i^tant^  23 

As  requested,  I  have  called  on  these  babies. 

Date  of  call 


Remarks : 

Signed- 


The  names  and  addresses  are  filled  in  by  the  superin- 
tendent before  mailing  the  card  to  the  visitors. 

Other  plans  are  to  appoint  six,  ten,  twelve  or  as  many 
assistants  as  may  be  necessary  to  cover,  the  territory 
occupied  by  the  church  members.  This  is  divided  into 
districts,  and  a  visitor  put  in  charge  of  each.  These 
visitors  do  the  same  kind  of  work  as  the  '^  Little 
Mothers,"  only  on  a  larger  scale.  All  invitations, 
papers,  birthday  cards  and  such  things  are  delivered 
personally,  and  the  visitor  becomes  quite  well  ac- 
quainted with  mothers  and  babies  in  the  course  of  a 
year.  Babies  living  near  together  are  grouped  so  as  to 
make  the  work  easy.  Sometimes  only  ten  babies  are 
given  to  a  visitor;  when  new  names  are  added  to  the 
roll,  new  visitors  are  appointed  to  look  after  them. 
A  business  meeting  is  held  once  a  month  at  the  home  of 
the  superintendent  or  of  one  of  the  visitors.  As  this 
is  a  business  meeting,  it  should  be  businesslike  and 
opened  on  time.  Open  with  devotions:  a  Scripture 
reading  and  prayer  by  the  superintendent  or  one  of  the 
visitors,  closing  with  the  little  Cradle  Roll  prayer  in 
which  all  join.  Ask  each  visitor  for  a  report.  If  this 
is  written,  better  work  is  apt  to  be  done  than  where  no 


24  tEije  Crable  i^oll  department 

definite  statement  of  what  has  been  accomplished  is 
expected.  From  these  reports  the  superintendent 
compiles  a  complete  report  for  the  school.  A  good  re- 
port covers  the  following  items: 

How  many  babies  have  you  in  your  division? 

How  many  of  these  babies  have  you  called  on? 

How  many  mothers  in  your  division? 

How  many  of  these  mothers  are  Christians? 

How  many  are  members  of  our  church? 

How  many  are  members  of  no  church? 

How  many  calls  have  you  made  this  month? 

How  many  new  names  have  you  secured? 

How  many  families  interested? 

How  many  lost  by  death? 

How  many  transferred  to  another  division? 

How  many  moved  from  the  city? 

Total  number  of  babies  now  in  your  division? 

How  many  birthday  cards  delivered? 

How  many  certificates  of  membership  dehvered? 

How  much  money  received  this  month? 

What  are  your  expenses  for  the  month? 


Jfinancing  tfte  Crable  J&oll 

There  are  certain  expenses  that  must  necessarily 
be  incurred  by  a  Cradle  Roll  Department.  How  shall 
these  be  met?  Wherever  possible  all  bills  should  go 
through  the  hands  of  the  treasurer  of  the  school.  The 
superintendent  may  then  make  a  contribution  to  the 
general  Sunday-school  fund  large  enough  to  cover  these, 
or  as  large  as  she  cares  to.  Thus  the  cost  of  the  Cradle 
Roll  is  on  record. 

Another  way  to  secure  funds  is  to  give  the  parents  an 
opportunity  to  contribute.  It  is  possible  for  the 
Cradle  Roll  Department  to  be  too  dependent,  and  some 
parents  object  to  this.  The  Cradle  Roll  work  ^\dll  have 
greater  dignity  if  it  is,  in  part  at  least,  self-sustaining. 
By  presenting  to  the  parents  a  plan  of  systematic  offer- 
ings, their  cooperation  will  undoubtedly  be  secured. 
Regular  offering  envelopes  are  to  be  had  in  several  de- 
signs. 

Small  cradle-shaped  banks  are  sometimes  used  to 
hold  the  offerings.  These  are  opened  once  a  year  or 
oftener.  An  annual  party  to  which  the  babies  are 
invited  to  bring  their  banks  is  a  good  time  to  open 
them. 

But  even  where  systematic  contributions  are  made, 
25 


26  V^f)t  Crable  3^oU  department 

the  expense  of  the  Department  may  exceed  these,  so 
other  ways  of  raising  funds  must  be  employed. 

Cradle  Roll  work  is  usually  popular  with  the  Ladies' 
Aid  Society.  A  part  of  the  regular  work  meetings  may 
be  devoted  to  sewing  for  children  under  three  years  of 
age,  and  the  clothing  sold  to  the  mothers  at  reasonable 
figures,  the  profit  being  credited  to  the  Cradle  Roll. 

The  mothers  themselves  at  their  monthly  meetings 
may  sew  quilt  blocks  or  carpet  rags  to  be  woven  into 
rugs.  The  sale  of  these  will  bring  in  a  nice  sum  for  the 
treasury. 

One  superintendent  invited  the  mothers  to  make  a 
freewill  offering  toward  the  expense  of  the  Depart- 
ment. Several  times  during  the  year  a  Cradle  Roll 
party  is  given.  At  the  bottom  of  the  invitation  is  this 
note:  ''An  opportunity  will  be  given  during  the  after- 
noon to  contribute  toward  our  Cradle  Roll  if  you  so 
wish."  At  the  close  of  the  program  the  superintendent 
calls  attention  to  a  little  cradle-shaped  bank  standing 
on  a  table,  stating  that  any  who  so  desire  may  make  an 
offering  for  the  work.  It  has  been  the  experience  of 
this  superintendent  that  the  mothers  feel  better  about 
accepting  the  privileges  of  the  Cradle  Roll  for  their 
children  when  they  can  help  to  defray  the  expense  of 
the  work. 

Still  another  way  is  to  take  a  special  Cradle  Roll 
offering  at  one  of  the  church  services,  say  on  Cradle 
Roll  Sunday. 

The  use  of  mite  boxes  is  common,  one  being  given  to 
baby  at  the  time  of  enrollment.     The  Cradle  Roll  may 


Jfinancing  tf)e  Crable  l^oll  27 

have  a  special  missionary  object  of  its  own  to  which 
these  offerings  are  sent,  or  may  join  with  the  other 
departments  in  some  work.  In  such  a  case,  it  should 
be  made  plain  to  the  parents  that  the  money  is  not  to  be 
used  for  the  work  of  the  Department,  but  is  missionary 
money. 


VI 

One  way  for  the  newly  appointed  superintendent  to 
secure  new  members  is  to  get  from  the  pastor  a  list  of 
the  babies  of  the  church  families.  Select  as  many 
helpers  as  you  think  will  be  sufficient,  and  invite  them 
to  meet  at  your  home  or  some  other  convenient  place. 
Present  your  Cradle  Roll  plans  as  clearly  as  possible. 
Try  to  put  some  of  your  own  enthusiasm  into  these 
helpers.  Then  ask  for  volunteers  to  visit  the  mothers. 
Set  a  definite  time  in  which  this  work  is  to  be  done,  and 
arrange  for  a  public  service  when  these  new  members 
will  be  welcomed  into  the  membership  of  the  school. 
Provide  plenty  of  application  cards  for  the  visitors. 
After  canvassing,  let  the  visitors  meet  again  and  hand 
in  their  reports.  It  is  well,  on  the  Sunday  before  the 
canvass  is  made,  to  have  the  pastor  explain  publicly 
from  the  pulpit  the  meaning  of  the  work,  and  urge  the 
parents  to  enroll  the  little  ones. 

The  superintendent  may  prefer  to  go  before  the 
school,  telling  of  the  proposed  Department,  and  asking 
help  from  all,  big  and  little,  in  securing  names  of  babies 
in  the  neighborhood. 

Still  another  method  is  to  provide  each  teacher  with 
application  cards,  to  secure  from  their  pupils  the  names 

28 


Securing  i^eto  JHemberjf  29 

of  the  baby  brothers  and  sisters.  The  superintendent, 
when  the  cards  are  returned  to  her,  visits  each  child. 

When  the  Cradle  Roll  is  organized,  many  are  the 
plans  whereby  the  membership  may  be  increased. 
More  can  be  accomplished  if  a  definite  number  is  the 
aim.  A  membership  campaign  to  last  for  a  definite 
period  is  one  way  of  reaching  every  baby  in  a  com- 
munity. Set  an  aim  for  the  school,  such  as  to  double 
the  enrollment  of  the  Cradle  Roll  within  a  given  time. 
Enthusiasm  is  aroused  throughout  the  different  depart- 
ments, and  when  frequent  reports  are  given  as  to  the 
way  in  which  the  membership  is  growing,  interest  is 
maintained  until  the  close. 

It  is  always  easy  to  interest  the  Primary  and  Junior 
children  in  the  Cradle  Roll.  A  contest  may  be  carried 
on  between  the  boys  and  girls  of  a  department,  or  be- 
tween two  departments.  Let  each  side  choose  a  cap- 
tain, to  add  dignity  and  importance  to  the  contest. 
Let  each  side  wear  a  button  or  knot  of  ribbon  through- 
out the  contest.  On  a  long  sheet  of  paper,  ruled  dowTi 
the  center,  place  the  names  of  everyone  bringing  a 
name  for  the  Cradle  Roll.  At  the  close  the  superin- 
tendent might  give  some  little  entertainment  for  the 
winners,  or  for  both  sides,  if  they  have  worked  well, 
and  have  the  winners  "guests  of  honor." 

Once  a  quarter,  or  once  a  year,  in  every  department 
of  the  school.  Cradle  Roll  work  may  be  emphasized, 
and  for  a  week,  or  a  month,  everyone  in  the  whole 
school  work  for  that  Department. 

A  successful  plan  used  by  a  superintendent  in  a 


30  tlTfje  Crable  3^oU  Bepattment 

church  where  many  strangers  attended  was  to  have  a 
rubber  stamp  which  read, 

"Welcome!  We  are  glad  to  have  you  here  to-day. 
If  there  is  a  BABY  in  your  home  will  you  not  sign 
this  card  and  hand  it  to  the  usher  or  leave  it  in  the 
rack? 

Cradle  Roll  Superintendent. 

Several  hundred  enrollment  cards  were  stamped  with 
this  message  and  given  to  the  ushers,  with  instructions 
to  hand  them  to  all  strangers.  Many  names  were 
secured  in  this  way,  and  strangers  were  made  to  feel 
that  the  church  had  an  interest  in  them,  for  all  signed 
cards  were  first  given  the  pastor,  so  that  he  might  know 
about  the  family. 

Many  Cradle  Roll  Departments  depend  almost 
entirely  upon  the  children  of  the  Beginners  and  Primary 
departments  to  bring  in  new  names.  The  Cradle  Roll 
superintendent  is  present  on  Sunday  during  the  open- 
ing service  and  a  few  minutes  are  devoted  to  the  Cradle 
Roll,  at  which  time  names  are  handed  in. 

Often  the  Cradle  Roll  and  Home  Department  super- 
intendents work  together.  The  one  can  furnish  names 
of  eligible  members  for  the  Cradle  Roll,  while  the  other 
may  be  able  to  interest  the  parents  in  the  Home  De- 
partment. 

But  what  about  localities  where  there  are  no  babies? 
There  may  be  only  one  or  two  under  three  years  of 
age  in  a  whole  church  community.  In  this  event,  go 
after  one  in  some  distant  mission  school  and  enroll  it. 
Remember  the  birthday,  and  other  special  occasions. 


Securing  Mt\i)  JHembersf  31 

and  see  if  the  babies  already  on  the  roll  cannot  be  inter- 
ested, through  their  parents,  to  contribute  toward  its 
support.  A  little  Indian,  or  African,  or  Chinese  or- 
phan on  your  Cradle  Roll  makes  an  interesting  member. 

In  a  graded  school  where  many  of  the  departments 
meet  alone  for  the  entire  service,  the  Cradle  Roll 
superintendent  may  arrange  with  the  other  superin- 
tendents for  a  few  minutes  of  either  the  opening  or  clos- 
ing sessions.  At  this  time  she  will  display  the  cradle, 
and  give  a  brief  report  of  the  membership  and  condition 
of  the  Department,  and  ask  for  new  names. 

Whatever  method  may  be  employed  it  is  well  to  bear 
in  mind  that  a  personal  visit  by  the  superintendent 
or  assistant  as  soon  as  possible  after  the  name  has  been 
handed  in  is  essential.  Personal  visitation  is  what 
counts.  And  often  when  visiting  the  babies  the  super- 
intendent has  opportunity  to  invite  other  members  of 
the  family  to  attend  some  department  of  the  school. 
Perhaps  the  names  of  all  over  Cradle  Roll  age  might 
be  taken,  if  the  family  is  not  one  connected  with  the 
church,  and  this  list  given  to  the  enrollment  secretary 
of  the  school,  or  to  the  superintendents  of  such  depart- 
ments as  the  children  properly  belong  to — they  in  turn 
looking  them  up  and  adding  an  invitation  to  that  al- 
ready extended  by  the  Cradle  Roll  superintendent. 


vn 

abbertifi^ing  tjje  department 

A  good  way  for  the  superintendent  to  advertise  this 
Department  is  by  attending  all  teachers'  meetings  and 
workers'  conferences,  and  cooperating  with  the  school 
in  every  way  possible.  She  should  know  what  is  going 
on  in  the  school,  some  of  the  difficulties  under  which 
the  teachers  are  laboring,  and  what  new  plans  are 
under  consideration.  Thus,  when  visiting  in  the 
homes,  she  can  speak  more  inteUigently  upon  general 
conditions.  Then,  too,  the  officers  and  teachers  should 
know  about  her  Department,  what  has  been  done  in 
the  past,  what  she  hopes  to  bring  to  pass  in  the  future, 
and  in  what  ways  she  needs  their  help.  She  should  be 
prepared  to  give  a  definite  and  businesslike  report. 
When  the  superintendent  takes  enough  interest  in  the 
school  of  which  her  Cradle  Roll  is  a  part  to  do  this,  then 
is  she  well  advertising  the  Department. 

An  occasional  item  in  the  church  bulletin  is  a  good  way 
of  keeping  the  Cradle  Roll  before  the  church  members. 
This  may  be  only  a  quotation  bearing  on  the  value  of 
the  child,  or  a  statistical  report  of  membership,  re- 
movals, new  members,  calls  made,  parties  held,  or  any- 
thing else  of  interest.  One  church  prints  the  pictures 
of  all  the  members  on  a  cover  once  a  year.  Another 
gives  the  names,  addresses  and  birthday  of  each  baby. 

32 


^bberti£iing  tfje  department  33 

Others  print  a  picture  of  the  Cradle  Roll  on  the  cover, 
give  information  as  to  the  purpose  and  plan  of  the  work, 
with  names  of  superintendents  and  assistants,  and  ask 
that  new  names  be  handed  to  them. 

The  church  bulletin  board  is  another  place  where 
Cradle  Roll  news  may  be  displayed  and  the  Depart- 
ment well  advertised.  A  report  of  the  Department, 
together  with  names  and  pictures  of  such  of  the  babies 
as  will  have  birthdays  during  the  coming  week,  always 
attracts  attention. 

Prepare  a  report  at  least  quarterlj^  for  the  school 
secretary  to  incorporate  with  that  of  the  school. 

Flower  seeds  may  be  given  out  at  Easter  time,  with 
the  request  that  the  recipient  cultivate  a  Cradle  Roll 
flower  bed,  the  flowers  to  be  used  to  decorate  the 
church  on  some  special  Sunday. 

Cradle  Roll  pennants  and  mottoes  displayed  in  the 
Sunday-school  auditorium  help  to  keep  the  Depart- 
ment in  mind,  and  so  do  wall  rolls.  These  may  be 
made  in  any  number  of  attractive  styles.  Pictures  of 
the  babies  prominently  displayed  in  church  auditoriums, 
vestibules  or  schoolrooms  are  one  of  the  very  best 
mediums  of  advertising.  Sometimes  these  are  arranged 
in  one  or  more  large  frames.  Often  a  frieze  of  them  is 
found  on  the  wall  of  the  vestibule,  where  anyone  enter- 
ing the  church  must  see  them. 

Frequent  parties  help  to  keep  the  Cradle  Roll  before 
the  parents  and  friends,  and  a  procession  of  gocarts 
and  baby  carriages  all  moving  in  one  direction  on  a 
certain  day  will  advertise  the  Department. 
3 


vni 

Cradle  Roll  Department  records  will  make  valuable 
history  in  the  years  to  come,  and  should  be  as  complete 
as  possible. 

A  complete  record  should  be  kept  of  every  baby  from 
the  date  of  enrollment  to  the  time  of  transfer  or  pro- 
motion. This  should  give  date  of  birth,  age  at  time  of 
enrollment,  parents'  names,  address,  telephone  number, 
whether  parents  are  members  of  church  or  not,  and 
date  of  enrollment  and  transfer.  In  addition,  a  record 
of  all  remembrances  sent  baby  should  be  kept,  in  order 
that  no  duplicates  shall  be  given.  Baby's  attendance 
at  Sunday  school,  Cradle  Roll  parties,  special  services 
and  other  occasions  may  be  recorded,  and  when  baby 
is  promoted  to  the  Beginners  Class  a  little  statement 
showing  his  record  for  attendance  at  all  these  services 
may  be  given  with  his  certificate. 

Some  superintendents  use  a  blank  book  in  which  to 
record  the  names  and  birthdays,  using  a  page  for  each 
month.  Another  method  is  to  use  two  books,  one 
arranged  alphabetically  for  the  name,  address,  and 
other  information,  and  a  birthday  book  by  which  to 
keep  track  of  the  birthdays.  Where  the  record  book 
is  used,  it  is  well  to  give  at  least  a  page  to  each  baby, 

34 


i^ecortrs;  35 


and  to  note  such  information  concerning  baby  and 
family  as  may  be  of  assistance  in  helping  the  super- 
intendent to  reach  them.  This  is  really  a  baby  history 
book,  and  is  used  by  some  superintendents  even  where 
other  records  are  kept. 

Perhaps  the  best  and  most  practical  of  all  record-keep- 
ing systems  for  use  in  the  Cradle  Roll  Department  is 
the  card  index.  The  outfit  consists  of  a  box  and  a 
quantity  of  individual  record  cards,  also  a  set  of  monthly 
guide  cards.  The  cards  are  so  arranged  that  all  the 
necessary  information  may  be  written  in  blank  spaces, 
while  the  date  of  birth  is  given  on  the  top  line.  The 
cards  are  filed  behind  the  monthly  guide  card,  and  it  is 
a  very  simple  matter  each  week  or  month  for  the  super- 
intendent to  remove  the  cards  and  prepare  her  birth- 
day remembrances.  Another  advantage  in  using  a 
card  index  is  that  all  cards  of  children  not  on  the  active 
roll  may  be  removed  and  filed  in  a  separate  division, 
thus  keeping  the  record  up  to  date. 

The  business  end  of  the  Department  requires  some 
attention.  The  money  used  for  supplies,  and  the 
supplies  which  the  money  represents,  belongs  to  the 
school  and  should  be  accounted  for. 

Once  a  quarter  the  superintendent  should  prepare 
for  the  secretary  of  the  school  a  report  of  the  work 
done  in  the  Cradle  Roll  Department.  This  will  be 
read  pubhcly.  Printed  blanks  to  use  for  this  purpose 
may  be  obtained  from  the  supply  houses,  or  each  school 
may  prefer  to  use  a  form  of  its  own.  A  blank  used  in 
a  large  school  gives  the  following  information: 


^(je  Crable  i^oU  department 


1.  Total  number  enrolled  at  be'ginning  of  last  month. 

2.  Number  entering  school  during  past  month. 

3.  Number  dropped  from  roll  during  past  month — also  reason. 

4.  Number  new  members  enrolled  during  past  month. 

5.  Number  of  visits  made  during  past  month.    • 

6.  Number  of  members  and  parents  visiting  school  during  past 

month. 

7.  Number  having  birthdays,  and  number  paying  birthday 

offering. 

These  reports  form  a  part  of  the  permanent  records 
of  the  school. 


IX 

Hall  moll£ 

A  wall  roll  of  the  babies  should  be  displayed  in  the 
Beginners  room,  so  that  it  may  be  readily  examined  by 
anyone.  Give  it  a  place  of  its  own,  where  it  may  be 
seen  from  any  part  of  the  room. 

In  some  schools  it  is  customary  to  remove  from  the 
roll  the  names  of  those  who  are  no  longer  members. 
Again,  the  names  are  left  on  and  removal  is  marked  by 
a  symbol  of  some  sort.  Gummed  stickers  may  be  pur- 
chased for  this  purpose.  A  tiny  pink  rosebud  placed 
opposite  the  name  means  that  the  child  has  graduated 
into  the  Beginners  Class.  A  little  train  shows  that 
baby  has  left  the  community,  and  a  white  angel  indi- 
cates that  baby  has  gone  above.  Colored  stars  are 
also  used  for  the  same  purpose.  A  little  flag  may 
indicate  promotion;  a  tiny  bow  of  white  ribbon  that 
baby  has  died,  and  a  star  shows  that  baby  has  moved 
away. 

Wall  rolls  in  twelve  parts,  each  showing  a  special 
design  appropriate  for  one  month  of  the  year,  or  twelve 
small  cards  mounted  on  a  large  card,  are  good.  The 
name  and  birthday  of  each  baby  may  be  written  under- 
neath its  birth  month,  or  the  babies  may  be  listed  by 
the  day  of  birth  on  seven  sheets  of  cardboard,  each 
having  printed  across  the  top  one  line  of  the  old  poem: 

37 


38  tE^fje  Ctable  l^oll  department 


"The  child  that  is  bom  on  the  Sabbath  Day- 
Is  bhthe  and  bonny  and  good  and  gay. 
Monday's  child  is  fair  of  face, 
Tuesday's  child  is  full  of  grace. 
Wednesday's  child  need  fear  no  foe, 
Thursday's  child  has  far  to  go. 
Friday's  child  is  loving  and  giving, 
Saturday's  child  must  work  for  its  living." 

Heart-shaped  rolls  are  always  popular.  Twelve 
hearts  may  be  outlined  on  a  sheet  of  cardboard,  the 
edges  tinted  with  water  colors,  and  the  name  of  a  month 
printed  on  each;  or  small  hearts,  each  bearing  the 
name  of  a  baby,  may  be  suspended  by  ribbons  from  a 
brass  curtain  rod  fastened  to  the  wall  of  the  schoolroom. 
Another  good  heart  idea,  capable  of  development  in  a 
number  of  ways,  shows  a  large  heart  with  a  border  of 
baby  faces,  either  pictures  cut  from  magazines  or 
amateur  ''snaps"  of  the  Cradle  Roll  members.  The 
names  are  written  on  the  face  of  the  heart,  or  on  smaller 
hearts  suspended  from  it. 

Still  another  ''heart  roll"  shows  four  hearts  outlined 
in  green  on  a  large  sheet  of  white  cardboard.  The 
hearts  join  in  the  center,  thus  making  a  pretty  good 
four-leaf  clover.  In  the  upper  heart  is  a  group  of  baby 
faces  and  the  words  "Cradle  Roll."  "They  were 
bringing  unto  him  also  their  babes."  Luke  18:15. 
The  other  three  hearts  are  decorated  with  baby  pictures. 
One  contains  the  names  of  the  babies  under  a  year; 
another  those  of  the  two-year-olds,  and  the  third  has 
the  little  three-year-olds.  The  names  are  written  on 
slips  of  gummed  paper,  and  are  easily  transferred  from 
one  section  to  another. 


Mall  Bolls;  39 


A  more  elaborate  roll  is  a  double  heart,  made  of 
wood,  the  two  parts  being  hinged  together,  the  upper 
cut  down  the  center  so  that  it  may  swing  open  like  a 
pair  of  doors.  The  inside  heart  is  covered  with  small 
paper  or  cardboard  hearts,  of  two  sizes,  strung  on  rib- 
bons. On  the  larger  of  these  is  pasted  a  picture  of  a 
baby,  with  name  and  date  written  underneath,  and 
on  the  smaller  hearts  are  shown  the  name  and  date 
only.  The  outside  heart  is  decorated  with  a  spray  of 
flowers,  and  the  two  doors  are  fastened  with  a  little 
brass  catch.  When  a  new  name  is  to  be  entered,  the 
doors  are  opened  and  the  children  recite, 

''We  welcome  you  with  open  heart, 
Because  we  love  you  so; 
See  how  the  doors  will  swing  apart 
And  in  your  name  will  go." 

The  heart  stands  on  an  easel,  and  when  needed  for 
a  public  service  can  very  easily  be  carried  from  one 
place  to  another.  This  same  idea  has  been  copied  in 
a  much  cheaper  form  by  using  cardboard  hearts  and 
fastening  with  ribbons,  and  although  not  so  durable 
as  the  wooden  roll,  it  is  very  pretty. 

A  style  quite  common  is  to  mount  a  copy  of  some  good 
painting  of  Christ  and  little  children  in  the  center  of  a 
sheet  of  cardboard,  and  suspend  by  ribbons  from  the 
lower  edge  small  name  cards  of  any  desired  shape. 
Sometimes  a  border  of  baby  faces  is  made  around  the 
center  picture.  Or,  instead  of  the  big  picture,  a  blank 
space  is  left  in  which  the  names  are  written.  The  words 
"Our  Cradle  Roll"  may  be  printed  across  the  top. 


Wi}t  Crable 

The  styles  and  kinds  of  cradles  are  about  as  numerous 
and  varied  as  are  the  wall  rolls.  Although  the  cradle 
ought  not  to  supplant  the  wall  roll,  it  may  be  used  as  a 
supplement  to  it.  Name  cards  may  be  tied  to  the  sides. 
These  cards  may  be  secured  from  pubhshers  of  Sunday- 
school  supphes  in  blue  and  pink  cardboard,  with  hole 
ready  punched  in  one  end,  through  which  a  ribbon  may 
be  run.  Or  little  white  cards  are  suitable,  these  to  be 
tied  with  white,  pink,  or  blue  ribbons. 

The  most  common  style  is  a  white  enameled  wooden 
cradle,  the  tops  of  the  corner  posts  finished  in  gilt, 
about  eighteen  inches  long  by  ten  inches  wide,  and 
eleven  inches  high.  A  fancy  mattress  and  pillow  are 
all  the  furnishings  necessary.  Sometimes  the  name  of 
the  school  and  Department  are  embroidered  on  the 
pillow  or  mattress. 

A  homemade  wooden  cradle  may  be  the  work  of  a 
boy  who  wants  to  be  useful.  Little  rockers  are  some- 
times added  to  a  grape  basket,  and  the  cradle  trimmed 
in  a  pretty  manner. 

''Lullaby  Cradles"  large  enough  to  hold  a  baby  are 
growing  in  popularity.  With  them  the  pretty  ''rock- 
ing service"  used  when  a  new  baby  is  entered  is  carried 
out.     Ribbons  are  fastened  to  the  four  corners,  and 

40 


trfjc  Crable  41 


when  in  use  during  a  service  four  children  hold  the 
ribbons  and  gently  sway  the  cradle  as  the  welcome  song 
is  sung. 

In  some  schools  the  only  cradle  used  is  a  cradle- 
shaped  bank.  This  is  to  hold  the  birthday  offering  of 
the  babies. 

As  the  cradle  is  the  emblem  of  the  Department,  care 
must  be  taken  of  it,  so  that  it  be  kept  fresh  and  dainty. 
The  ribbons  and  furnishings  have  to  be  renewed  oc- 
casionally and  everything  freshened  up.  In  the  room 
where  the  Cradle  Roll  exercises  are  held  a  table  should 
be  provided  for  the  cradle,  and  this  covered  ^dth  a 
pretty  cloth,  either  matching  in  color  the  lining  of  the 
cradle  or  else  pure  white.  A  box  in  which  to  keep  the 
cradle  between  Sundays  is  also  necessary. 


XI 

Bfeplaping  tlje  ?Babp*s;  picture 

A  plan  which  is  growing  in  popularity  is  to  display 
photographs  of  the  babies.  Many  parents  will  be 
glad  to  give  a  picture,  or  the  visitor  may  take  her 
camera  along  and  get  a  snap  of  baby.  Often  a  photog- 
rapher will  take  a  picture  of  baby  for  the  Cradle  Roll 
display  free  of  charge;  or  he  may  make  special  rates 
on  baby  pictures,  one  copy  to  be  furnished  free  to  the 
superintendent.  Again,  he  may  agree  to  supply  a 
certain  kind  of  picture  to  all  babies  so  that  there  will 
be  uniformity  in  the  photographs. 

One  good  picture  display  shows  the  photographs 
mounted  on  a  large  card,  grouped  around  a  beautiful 
print  of  Christ  and  Httle  children.  Underneath,  in 
fine  lettering,  is  the  text,  ''He  will  gather  the  lambs  in 
his  arm,  and  carry  them  in  his  bosom.''  Across  the 
top  are  the  words,  ''It  is  not  the  will  of  your  Father 
who  is  in  heaven,  that  one  of  these  little  ones  should 
perish." 

A  group  picture  of  the  babies  may  be  taken  once  a 
year  at  a  party,  or  a  picture  of  the  graduates  only. 
These  may  be  framed  and  hung  on  the  wall  of  the 
schoolroom. 

A  pretty  display  in  a  Beginners  room  shows  a  mold- 
ing running  entirely  around  the  room,  about  four  feet 

42 


from  the  floor.  From  this  are  hung  pictures,  and  the 
like,  pertaining  to  the  work  of  the  Department.  Above 
the  molding  is  a  border  of  roses — just  wall  paper  hav- 
ing a  pretty  rose  design  in  dehcate  shades  of  pink. 
In  the  center  of  each  rose  is  pasted  the  picture  of  a 
baby  on  the  Cradle  Roll,  with  name  and  age  written 
beside  it. 

An  ordinary  hoop,  covered  with  a  tightly  stretched 
piece  of  black  sateen,  makes  a  very  good  backgrojind 
for  displaying  pictures,  and  so  does  a  discarded  banner, 
when  covered  with  some  pretty  material. 


xn 

JRemembering  J5irtf)baj>s? 

The  attention  shown  the  baby  at  special  seasons, 
such  as  Christmas  and  Easter,  will  be  appreciated  by 
the  child's  parents,  but  when  baby  is  given  a  letter  or 
card  on  the  birthday,  the  Cradle  Roll  has  indeed  won  a 
place  in  their  hearts. 

There  are  on  the  market  a  number  of  birthday  cards 
for  the  Cradle  Roll  Department,  and  these  usually  run 
in  a  series  for  one-,  two-,  and  three-year-old  children. 
Whatever  style  you  select,  let  it  be  the  best  you  can 
afford.  Notice  the  sentiment  on  each,  and  get  some- 
thing that  is  appropriate. 

It  is  not  the  value  of  the  card  which  makes  some 
more  precious  than  others,  but  the  personal  message 
which  the  superintendent  adds.  If,  instead  of  circu- 
larizing the  Cradle  Roll  by  simply  sending  a  printed 
card,  no  matter  how  pretty,  the  superintendent  adds 
a  Httle  message,  it  will  hft  the  card  out  of  the  everyday 
into  the  special,  individual  class.  The  pastor  may 
sign  the  card,  in  addition  to  the  superintendent,  and 
also  add  a  message.  Where  the  cards  are  to  be 
delivered  by  messenger,  one,  two,  or  three  little  gilt 
or  colored  stars  may  be  placed,  instead  of  a  stamp,  in 
the  corner  of  the  envelope,  to  designate  the  number  of 
years;  or  tie  a  flower  to  the  card. 

44 


^Remembering  JBirtfjbaps;  45 

A  birthday  record  of  some  sort  is  necessary.  A 
plain  blank  book  may  be  used,  giving  one  or  more 
pages  to  each  month,  baby's  name  and  birthday  being 
entered  under  the  proper  heading.  Record  books 
may  be  purchased  from  any  of  the  supply  houses  ready 
ruled.  A  card  index  is  good.  These  also  may  be  had 
in  several  styles.  Great  harm  may  be  done  through 
overlooking  the  birthdays.  Be  very  careful  to  have 
every  card  dehvered  on  time.  One  received  several 
days  late  is  hke  a  warmed-over  dinner:  it  has  lost  its 
savor.  The  safe  and  sure  way  to  avoid  such  an  oc- 
currence is  to  prepare  the  cards  a  week  or  a  month  in 
advance.  On  a  calendar  mark  the  day  on  which  they 
are  to  be  sent. 

Instead  of  stamping  the  card  so  long  in  advance  of 
mailing,  some  superintendents  prefer  to  prepare  them 
on  the  first  day  of  the  month,  and  in  the  stamp  corner 
write  the  date  of  the  birthday.  These  are  arranged 
according  to  the  dates,  and  the  day  before  the  birthday 
the  stamp  is  affixed  and  the  card  mailed. 

A  little  rebus  or  form  letter,  which  is  varied  slightly 
to  suit  the  individual  child,  may  be  used.  This  is 
written  on  dainty  note  paper,  decorated  with  tiny  baby 
faces.  For  the  first  birthday  one  wee  head  is  used; 
for  the  second,  two  of  a  slightly  older  child,  and  for 
the  third,  three  pictures  of  a  child  of  about  that  age. 
The  envelope  is  sealed  with  one  or  more  pictures  to 
correspond  with  those  used  on  the  letter. 

Some  superintendents  prefer  to  make  their  own  birth- 
day cards.     A  card  decorated  with  a  cut-out  picture 


46  ^fje  Crable  i^oU  3iepartment 

appropriate  to  the  birth  month,  and  underneath  a 
birthday  wish,  is  good. 

A  pleasing  custom  is  to  give  to  each  baby,  with  its 
card,  a  tiny  potted  plant.  These  may  be  purchased 
from  a  florist,  but  some  superintendents  prefer  to  raise 
their  own.  A  geranium  is  a  good  gift  for  a  winter 
baby,  and  a  pansy  for  the  summer  baby. 

A  pretty  way  of  celebrating  the  birthday,  where  the 
superintendent  is  able  to  do  so,  is  to  take  mother  and 
baby  for  a  drive.  The  drive  may  be  made  in  a  carriage 
or  in  an  automobile. 

Baby  should  always  be  invited  to  attend  Sunday 
school  on  the  Sunday  nearest  its  birthday,  when  the 
birthday  song  is  sung  in  its  honor  and  the  birthday 
prayer  offered. 

A  service  used  when  baby  is  not  present,  but  is  rep- 
resented by  a  '^Little  Helper "^ — whether  it  be  of  a 
Little  Mother,  Father,  Sister,  or  Brother,  according 
to  the  name  by  which  this  Band  is  known — is  for  this 
*'  Little  Helper  "  to  drop  into  the  birthday  bank  the  cor- 
rect number  of  pennies,  and  then,  at  a  chord  from  the 
piano,  all  the  other  children  rise  [and  sing  a  verse  of  a 
birthday  song.  While  the  heads  are  bowed  the  children 
repeat — 

"We  thank  thee,  heavenly  Father, 

For  all  thy  loving  care 
That  thou  hast  given  Mary 

At  home,  and  everywhere. 
For  years  thou  hast  guarded  her 

At  home,  asleep,  at  play, 
Oh,  Father,  bless  and  care  for  her 

On  this,  and  every  day." 


^Remembering  K^irtfjtJapg  47 

Then  the  superintendent  asks,  "What  shall  we  say 
to  Baby  Mary?"  The  children  reply,  "We  hope  she 
will  have  many  happy  birthdays." 

Not  infrequently  superintendents  give  birthday 
parties  to  the  little  ones — perhaps  these  may  be  held 
once  a  month  for  all  the  babies  born  in  that  month; 
sometimes  once  a  quarter  is  as  often  as  the  little  ones 
can  be  brought  together.  An  annual  birthday  party 
to  which  all  the  babies  come  is  another  way.  Twelve 
ladies  assist  the  superintendent,  each  providing  a  tiny 
souvenir,  some  refreshments,  and  a  number  for  the 
program  appropriate  to  their  month.  As  the  babies 
arrive  they  are  escorted  to  their  proper  p^ace,  where 
they  meet  all  the  other  babies  born  in  the  same  month. 
Or,  instead  of  having  twelve  groups,  it  may  be  called 
a  Day  Party,  and  the  babies  grouped  according  to  the 
day  of  their  birth. 

A  birthday  secretary  may  be  of  great  assistance  to 
the  superintendent.  She  will  keep  track  of  all  the 
birthdays,  the  kind  of  remembrances  sent,  and  prepare 
all  cards  for  the  superintendent  to  sign.  Before  the 
third  birthday  she  will  notify  the  superintendent,  so 
that  a  personal  note  of  invitation  to  join  the  Beginners 
Class  may  be  sent,  or  a  call  made  upon  baby. 


XIII 

Crable  aaoU  Welcome 

When  a  new  member  is  entered  on  the  Cradle  Roll 
the  event  should  be  marked  by  some  pubHc  recognition. 
This  recognition,  or  enrollment  service,  usually  takes 
place  in  the  Beginners  or  Primary  room,  and  may  con- 
sist of  four  parts:  song,  welcome,  charge  to  older  chil- 
dren to  care  for  this  new  baby,  and  prayer.  If  the 
Cradle  Roll  superintendent  is  present  each  Sunday,  she 
will  conduct  this  part  of  the  service.  In  her  absence 
the  regular  Department  superintendent  will  do  it. 
The  child  who  has  brought  the  enrollment  card  brings 
it  forward,  or,  where  the  names  are  secured  in  other 
ways,  the  superintendent  announces  that  a  baby  is  to 
be  welcomed.  Sometimes  the  name  is  read,  the  chil- 
dren repeating  it  several  times  so  that  they  may  be- 
come familiar  with  it.     Then  they  stand  and  sing: 

"There  are  blessings  from  God  all  about  us; 

We  should  thank  him  for  gifts  large  and  small, 
But  his  gift  of  a  dear  little  baby, 
Needs  the  very  best  thank  you  of  all. 
Bye-lo,  bye-lo,  bye-lo,  bye-lo-bye." 

— From  "  Carols,"  published  by  the    Leyda  Publishing  Company, 
Chicago. 

The  familiar  welcome  song  of  Julia  Johnston  is  popu- 
lar, and  is  sung  to  the  tune  '' Little  Drops  of  Water." 
This  follows  the  lullaby: 

48 


Crablc  EoU  iHekome  49 

"Welcome,  precious  baby, 

To  our  Cradle  Roll; 

Here  a  place  is  waiting 

P'or  each  tiny  soul. 

"On  the  earth  our  Saviour 
Little  children  blessed; 
In  his  arms  he  took  them — 
Held  them  to  his  breast. 

"Still  he  calls  them  to  him, 
No  one  is  too  small, 
For  the  tender  Shepherd 
Loves  and  wants  us  all." 

When  the  baby  is  a  bo3%  then  to  the  boys  is  given  the 
charge  to  care  for  it,  and  they  repeat  in  concert  this 
little  prayer; 

"Heavenly  Father,  bless  this  baby, 

Guide  his  tender  little  feet; 

May  we  older  boys  all  help  him 

To  grow  gentle,  kind  and  sweet.     Amen," 

If  the  bab}^  is  a  girl,  then  the  girls  are  charged  with 
its  care,  and  the  pronouns  changed. 

At  the  close  a  prayer  is  offered  for  this  new  baby  and 
all  the  others  on  the  Cradle  Roll: 

"Bless  all  our  Cradle  Babies, 

Wherever  they  may  be; 
Although  in  homes  so  scattered. 

Thou  everyone  dost  see. 
We  love  them,  and  thou  lovest  them, 

Oh,  may  they  grow  to  be 
A  band  of  httle  Christians, 

Obedient,  Lord,  to  thee.     Amen." 

Frequently  the  little  cradle  is  used  in  connection 
with    the    enrollment    service.     Sometimes    a    small 


50  ^!)e  Crablc  3^oU  department 

cradle  to  be  used  for  just  this  purpose  is  provided,  and 
then  it  is  trimmed  with  bows  of  pink  ribbon.  The 
card  bearing  the  name  of  the  new  member  is  placed  in 
the  cradle,  and  the  children  say, 

"Little  cradle,  do  you  think. 
With  your  pretty  bows  of  pink 
You  can  faithful  be,  and  true. 
To  this  name  we  trust  to  you? 

"As  we  place  it  gently  there 
We  will  breathe  a  loving  prayer, 
That  this  little  baby  face 
In  our  school  may  find  a  place." 

This  is  instead  of  the  charge  to  the  boys  or  girls.  Where 
there  is  room  the  children  may  gather  around  the  cradle, 
and  at  the  second  verse  kneel  and  offer  it  as  a  prayer. 

A  very  simple  service  is  to  place  the  name  card  in 
the  cradle  while  the  children  sing  a  song  and  repeat  a 
little  Cradle  Roll  prayer. 

A  welcome  service  in  which  the  baby  is  placed  in  the 
cradle  is  good.  While  the  welcome  is  sung  and  prayer 
offered,  the  cradle  is  gently  swung  back  and  forth  by 
four  little  ones  who  hold  ribbons  fastened  to  the  corners. 

When  no  new  name  is  added  to  the  roll,  the  fellow- 
ship service  should  each  Sunday  include  some  reference 
to  the  Cradle  Roll.  This  keeps  the  Department  before 
the  children.  Sometimes  a  lullaby  is  sung  and  a  prayer 
offered. 

When  a  baby  is  to  be  welcomed,  the  parents  and 
friends  are  invited  to  be  present  during  the  service, 
and  where  baby  is  brought,  a  little  card,  flower  or  other 
soavenir  is  given  it. 


XIV 

tKlje  Crable  JRoU  €la^^  or  J^ursferp 

In  some  schools  a  room  is  provided  where  the  Cradle 
Roll  can  assemble,  just  as  the  other  departments 
assemble.  On  the  wall  are  displayed  the  roll  and  pictures 
of  the  babies,  Cradle  Roll  pennants  and  banners,  or 
mottoes.  A  bright  sunny  room  is  preferable.  The 
room  should  be  well  ventilated  and  easy  to  heat  in  cold 
weather.  A  low  table  of  some  kind  and  tmy  chairs 
are  almost  a  necessity.  A  shallow  sand  tray  around 
which  a  number  can  sit  is  very  good,  or  the  regular 
kindergarten  table  may  be  used.  Blackboard  cloth 
will  easily  convert  a  homemade  table  into  a  blackboard, 
and  the  little  ones  enjoy  sitting  or  kneeling  around  this 
and  marking  on  it  with  crayon.  Clean,  light-colored 
rag  rugs  are  useful  to  spread  in  front  of  the  table  for 
the  little  ones  to  kneel  on. 

A  Cradle  Roll  classroom  is  intended  as  a  place  where 
the  little  ones  may  really  be  instructed  as  well  as 
amused.  The  teacher,  who  may  be  the  superintendent, 
or  one  of  the  mothers,  will  tell  a  story  of  God's  love 
and  care  in  the  simplest  language.  To  those  who  are 
unfamiliar  with  the  workings  of  the  mind  of  a  child 
under  three  years  of  age  it  may  seem  useless  to  try  to 
teach  them  anything.  But  they  remember  the  nursery 
rhymes  and  simple  stories  which  are  told  them  in  the 

51 


52  t!i:j)e  Crable  a^oU  department 

home,  and  can  absorb  a  Bible  story  also — more  perhaps 
than  we  realize.  A  verse  of  one  or  two  simple  songs, 
such  as  ''God  is  Love"  and  ''Jesus  loves  me,"  may  be 
sung  each  Sunday,  and  repeated  several  times  during  a 
single  session.  Do  not  try  to  introduce  too  many  songs; 
few  of  the  little  ones  can  carry  a  tune,  and  it  is  better 
for  them  to  have  one  or  two  songs  which  will  always  be 
associated  with  this  class  than  a  number  of  which  they 
know  only  a  few  words. 

Toys  of  various  kinds  have  a  place:  blocks,  pictures 
and  wooden  animals  which  may  be  used  to  illustrate 
the  stories  are  suitable,  and  it  is  well  to  select  each  with 
a  view  to  using  it  for  such  a  purpose. 

A  large  room  in  which  the  mothers  meet  in  one  end 
while  the  little  folks  are  in  the  other,  a  screen  or  cur- 
tain separating  the  two  classes,  is  a  good  arrangement. 
The  mothers  have  their  own  lesson,  and  their  minds  are 
easy  because  they  know  the  little  ones  are  close  by; 
and  for  the  same  reason  the  little  ones  are  more  con- 
tented to  remain  at  their  table,  knowing  that  mother 
is  very  near. 

The  little  ones  may  meet  with  the  Beginners  for  the 
opening  service,  and  then  retire  behind  a  screen  or 
curtain  in  a  corner  of  the  room  for  their  story.  The 
leaves  of  the  screen  on  the  side  nearest  the  Cradle 
Roll  class  may  be  covered  with  bright  pictures,  covers 
taken  from  magazines  or  the  lesson  pictures  used  in 
other  departments. 

Another  plan,  where  there  is  no  separate  room,  is 
for  the  mothers  to  meet  in  the  Beginners  room  for  the 


tE^fte  Crable  l^oll  Clags;  or  iBtursierp  53 

opening  service,  but  taking  no  part  in  any  of  the  exer- 
cises. By  watching  the  teachers  they  learn  the  songs 
and  exercises,  and  are  able  to  go  over  them  at  home 
with  the  Uttle  ones.  When  the  children  go  to  their 
screened  corner  the  mothers  retire  to  another  corner, 
where  they  study  the  lesson  for  the  day,  under  the 
leadership  of  one  of  their  own  number  or  of  a  regularly 
appointed  teacher. 

Successful  work  is  being  done  in  the  one-room  school. 
A  corner  near  the  Bible  class,  if  possible,  is  chosen  for 
the  children,  so  that  any  disturbance  which  they  may 
create  will  not  be  noticed  so  much  as  though  they  were 
near  some  of  the  younger  pupils.  A  sand  tray  may  be 
used  here  if  there  is  room,  stories  told,  and  a  little  quiet 
play  work  introduced. 

An  offering  is  taken  in  these  classes,  and  sometimes 
the  teacher  will  provide  a  light  lunch  of  crackers  and  a 
drink  of  cool  water  toward  the  close  of  the  hour. 

A  Cradle  Roll  class  makes  for  more  intelligent  co- 
operation between  home  and  school,  and  through  the 
little  child  parents  are  often  brought  back  into  active 
church  work. 

A  Cradle  Roll  nursery  differs  from  a  Cradle  Roll 
class  in  that  it  cares  for  even  the  tiny  babies,  and  is 
intended  to  interest  rather  than  to  instruct.  It  is 
arranged  chiefly  for  the  benefit  of  mothers  who  cannot 
leave  their  little  ones  at  home,  and  must  either  bring 
them  to  church  and  Sunday  school  or  themselves  re- 
main away.  Sometimes  the  nursery  is  open  during 
the  Sunday-school  hour;    again  it  is  open  only  at  the 


54  tKfje  Crable  H^oll  department 

time  of  morning  worship.  The  superintendent  and 
one  or  more  assistants  are  usually  in  charge,  although 
the  mothers  themselves  may  take  turns  in  looking 
after  it.  The  membership  is  divided,  and  each  one  is 
asked  to  serve  one  or  more  Sundays  during  the  year. 
Not  infrequently  a  class  of  young  women  will  become 
responsible  for  this  nursery  when  it  is  held  at  the  hour 
of  church  service,  and  they,  in  groups  of  two  or  more, 
will  be  present  on  Sunday  morning.  Unless  the  num- 
ber of  babies  in  the  nursery  is  large,  it  is  better  not  to 
have  too  many  assistants.  The  helpers  usually  pro- 
vide crackers  or  plain  cookies  for  the  older  children, 
but  the  baby's  milk  and  water  bottles  are  brought  by 
the  mother.  A  small  alcohol  lamp  on  which  the  milk 
may  be  heated  should  be  a  part  of  the  equipment. 
Some  mothers  put  aside  little  toys  which  are  to  be  used 
only  on  Sunday  in  the  Cradle  Roll  nursery.  Some- 
times a  group  of  the  older  babies,  two  or  three  years 
old,  may  be  taken  off  into  a  corner  by  one  of  the  assist- 
ants and  told  a  story. 

The  Cradle  Roll  nursery  is  intended  for  the  little 
ones  under  three  or  four  years  of  age.  Older  children 
ought  to  be  placed  in  a  Sunday  kindergarten  or  Begin- 
ners Class. 

Where  there  is  no  nursery,  and  the  mother  must  hold 
her  baby  during  the  hour  of  service,  if  she  attends  at 
all,  why  not  see  to  it  that  she  is  made  as  comfortable  as 
possible?  A  small  rocking-chair  and  footstool  in  the 
back  of  the  auditorium  would  be  inconspicuous,  and  a 
mother  can  hold  a  sleeping  child  and  enjoy  the  service 


^fje  Crable  aaoU  Clasig  or  i^urs^erp  55 

much  more  when  comfortable  physically  than  when 
compelled  to  sit  upright  in  a  church  pew. 

Where  there  is  no  nursery  or  Cradle  Roll  class,  the 
mothers  may  meet  and  form  a  ''Mother  and  Baby" 
class.  The  mothers  bring  the  little  ones,  but  instead 
of  its  being  an  occasion  where  baby  is  entertained  or 
taught,  mother  looking  on,  it  is  mother  who  is  the  pupil. 
A  description  of  one  such  class  may  be  interesting.  A 
number  of  young  mothers,  all  of  whom  had  at  some  time 
been  active  in  Sunday-school  work,  agreed  that  if  a 
certain  room  off  to  one  side  of  the  auditorium,  but 
connected  by  folding  doors,  would  be  given  them  for  a 
classroom,  they  would  organize,  elect  officers  and  a 
teacher,  and  attend  Sunday  school.  They  were  given 
the  room,  and  small  rocking-chairs  were  provided. 
Small  chairs  to  be  used  by  the  Httle  ones  old  enough 
to  sit  on  them,  but  too  small  or  too  shy  to  go  into  the 
Beginners  Class,  were  also  provided.  Screens  were 
so  arranged  that  if  the  mother  preferred,  she  might 
rock  her  babe  in  privacy.  The  class  united  with  the 
school  in  the  opening  service,  but  not  in  the  closing. 
That  time  was  spent,  behind  closed  doors,  in  preparing 
the  little  ones  for  the  street.  Once  a  month  a  social 
was  held  to  which  the  fathers  were  invited,  and  from 
this  sprang  a  men's  class. 


XV 

Mfjen  tfje  ©eatft  ^ngel  Comes; 

Sometimes  when  a  little  one  is  taken  away,  the  only 
Christian  woman  to  whom  bereaved  parents  can  turn 
for  sympathy  and  help  is  the  Cradle  Roll  superintend- 
ent. How  important  and:  necessary,  then,  that  the 
superintendent  be  in  such  close  touch  with  each  home 
that  she  knows  where  there  is  sickness  and  when  death 
enters. 

The  superintendent  will  attend  the  funeral,  and  as 
many  of  the  Cradle  Roll  mothers  as  possible  will  repre- 
sent the  Department,  and  in  this  way  express  their 
sympathy.  Flowers  may  be  sent  in  the  name  of  the 
Cradle  Roll,  and  the  little  name  card  may  be  removed 
from  the  cradle  and  tied  to  them.  Birthday  offerings 
are  occasionally  used  to  buy  flowers  for  this  purpose, 
or  the  Sunday  school  may  pay  for  them,  as  for  any  other 
expense.  On  the  Sunday  following  the  superintendent 
should  see  that  the  pulpit  flowers  are  sent  to  the  home. 

Special  wall  rolls  on  which  to  inscribe  the  names  of 
those  on  the  ''Heavenly  Roll"  are  often  used.  An 
appropriate  roll  shows  a  picture  of  Christ  with  a  little 
child  in  his  arms,  mounted  on  a  white  card.  The  words 
*' Jesus  said,  'Suffer  Httle  children  to  come  unto  me,'" 
are  printed  underneath,  and,  suspended  from  this,  on 
narrow  satin  ribbon  runners,  are  little  cards,  each  deco- 

56 


Ml)tn  tfje  Beatf)  glngel  Contest  57 

rated  with  an  angel  face  and  the  name  and  date  of 
birth  and  death  of  a  baby. 

Where  the  names  are  left  on  a  continuous  roll,  a 
tiny  bow  of  white  satin  ribbon  pinned  above  the  name 
indicates  that  the  baby  has  gone  above,  or  a  Httle 
cherub  seal  is  pasted  opposite  the  name. 

Little  letters  and  illustrated  folders  to  send  to  the 
parents  may  be  had  from  the  Sunday-school  supply 
houses,  or  the  superintendent  may  write  a  message  of 
her  own. 

If  the  superintendent  so  desires,  reference  to  the 
death  may  be  made  the  following  Sunday,  by  stating 
that  Jesus  has  called  a  little  one  to  be  with  him  in 
heaven.  This  is  followed  by  the  transfer  of  the  name 
from  one  roll  to  the  other.  The  children  repeat,  ''Suf- 
fer the  little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  for- 
bid them  not:  for  to  such  belongeth  the  kingdom  of 
God."  One  of  the  teachers,  or  some  one  selected  for 
the  purpose,  sings  a  verse  of  "Safe  in  the  Arms  of 
Jesus,"  and  then  the  superintendent  reads  the  follow- 
ing verses  from  her  Bible:  ''And  God  himself  shall  be 
with  them."  "They  shall  hunger  no  more,  neither 
thirst  any  more."  "  For  the  Lamb  that  is  in  the  midst 
of  the  throne  shall  be  their  shepherd,  and  shall  guide 
them  unto  fountains  of  waters  of  life,"  and  closes  with 
the  little  prayer,  substituting  the  correct  pronoun: 


''Fold  her,  O  Father,  in  thine  arms, 
And  let  her  henceforth  be 
A  messenger  of  love  between 
Our  human  hearts  and  thee." 


58  ^fje  Crable  i^oU  department 

The  little  cradle  may  be  trimmed  with  white  flowers, 
which  may  afterward  be  taken  to  the  home,  or  to  the 
cemetery  and  placed  upon  the  grave. 

There  is  nothing  sad  or  gloomy  about  this  service, 
and  its  use  may  dispel  some  of  the  wrong  impressions 
which  children  have  of  death. 


XVI 

^Tranrferring  a  Crable  3RoU  Mtmhtt 

The  work  of  a  Cradle  Roll  superintendent  ought  not 
to  end  when  a  baby  leaves  the  neighborhood.  It 
should  be  her  duty  to  keep  track  of  baby  until  he  is 
entered  on  some  other  roll.  A  good  way  of  holding  the 
baby  is  to  communicate  with  the  pastor  of  the  nearest 
church  of  the  denomination,  asking  him  to  call  upon 
the  strangers,  and  also  to  have  the  Cradle  Roll  superin- 
tendent secure  baby's  name.  If  there  is  no  church 
of  the  denomination  in  the  immediate  vicinity,  but 
one  of  another  is  close  at  hand,  it  would  not  be  dis- 
loyalty to  inform  the  pastor  of  the  neighboring  church. 
Where  there  is  a  Graded  Elementary  Union  in  the  city, 
with  the  Cradle  Roll  superintendents  in  one  division, 
the  name  of  the  nearest  superintendent  may  be  ob- 
tained, and  she  may  be  notified  of  the  new  member 
ready  to  be  transferred  to  her  roll. 

Until  the  superintendent  knows  that  baby  is  on  an- 
other roll,  the  name  should  remain  with  her.  As  soon 
as  the  parents,  or  superintendent,  of  the  other  school 
notify  her  that  baby  is  enrolled  elsewhere,  the  name 
should  be  dropped  from  her  list  of  active  members. 

A  separate  roll  for  those  who  have  left  the  school 
may  be  used.  At  the  top  of  a  sheet  of  cardboard 
mount  the  picture  of  a  train,  and  underneath  write  the 

59 


60  Wf)t  Crable  l^oll  department 

names.  This  gives  a  complete  record  of  all  babies 
who  have  left  the  community.  A  note  is  made  on  the 
record  card,  or  in  the  book,  of  the  circumstances  inci- 
dental to  the  removal  of  the  name,  and  the  card  is 
filed  away. 

The  County  Elementary  Superintendent  may  assist 
in  placing  baby's  name  on  a  Cradle  Roll  in  a  new  lo- 
cality. If  she  is  notified  that  the  family  is  in  a  certain 
town,  she  in  turn  can  communicate  with  a  Cradle  Roll 
superintendent  there. 

Transfer  cards  to  give  baby  when  leaving,  and  to  be 
presented  to  the  superintendent  of  the  new  school, 
may  be  bought  from  the  supply  houses,  or  the  school 
may  have  a  special  design  of  its  own.  The  greatest 
value  which  lies  in  these  cards  is  that  the  parents  will 
be  less  apt  to  neglect  having  baby  entered  in  a  new 
school  where  they  have  such  a  reminder. 


XVII 

promotion  Bap 

This  is,  or  should  be,  a  great  clay  for  the  baby  as 
well  as  for  the  Department.  A  public  program  may 
be  arranged,  either  to  be  given  before  the  entire  school 
or  during  the  hour  of  morning  worship.  In  many 
schools  a  regular  Promotion  Day  is  held  the  last  Sun- 
day in  September  when  pupils  from  each  grade  and 
department  graduate  and  enter  the  next  higher.  Where 
this  is  done,  the  Cradle  Roll  comes  first  on  the  program, 
and  a  short,  simple  exercise  that  conforms  with  the 
rest  of  the  service  is  sufficient.  Where  there  is  no 
regular  Promotion  Day,  the  babies  may  have  their 
graduation  service  in  connection  with  some  other  public 
event.  It  may  be  part  of  the  Children's  Day  program, 
or  of  Rally  Day,  or  the  chief  number  of  the  Cradle  Roll 
Sunday  service.  Whenever  the  promotion  occurs,  let 
it  be  given  prominence,  for  this  is  an  important  event 
in  the  life  of  baby.  He  may  have  been  attending  Sun- 
day school  more  or  less  regularly  for  some  months 
previous,  but  this  marks  his  public  entrance  into  the 
active  life  of  the  school.  In  some  schools  it  is  a  rule  to 
promote  baby  when  three  years  of  age;  in  others  the 
little  ones  are  kept  on  the  roll  until  the  fourth  birthday 
is  passed. 

A  certificate,  the  second  which  he  has  received  during 
61 


62  tE^jje  Crable  ^^oll  department 

his  short  life,  is  given.  The  first,  the  certificate  of 
membership,  indicated  his  entrance  into  Sunday  school, 
and  this,  his  promotion  into  the  Beginners  Department. 
The  certificates  are  rolled  and  tied  with  ribbon,  the 
name  being  written  lightly  in  pencil  on  the  outside,  or 
a  tiny  card  bearing  the  name  may  be  tied  on  with  the 
bow.  A  flower  run  through  the  ribbon  band  adds  to 
its  attractiveness.  Some  superintendents  make  much 
of  the  promotion  of  each  ''class,"  and  the  little  ones 
each  succeeding  year  have  their  own  ''class"  color 
and  flower.  Where  this  is  done,  the  certificates  are 
tied  with  the  class  colors.  At  other  times  pink  ribbon 
is  used  for  the  boys  and  blue  for  the  girls.  Again, 
some  superintendents  prefer  to  have  everything  white, 
and  others  use  the  elementary  colors,  green  and  white. 

In  order  to  have  the  children  present  on  Promotion 
Day  they  must  be  invited  to  come.  Sunday-school 
supply  houses  offer  printed  invitations  which  are  at- 
tractive and  quite  inexpensive.  Some  superintendents, 
however,  prefer  to  write  a  personal  note.  Others 
make  it  a  point  to  visit  baby,  and  invite  him  and  his 
parents  to  be  present.  It  is  a  good  plan  for  the  teacher 
of  the  class  into  which  the  little  one  will  enter  to  ac- 
company the  superintendent  on  this  occasion,  and  so 
become  acquainted  with  her  new  charge. 

Invitations  to  join  the  Beginners  Department  may 
be  sent  at  this  time.  These  are  printed  or  written  on 
httle  cards  or  folders,  and  sometimes  decorated  with 
pictures  of  children  three  or  four  years  old.  The 
pictures  are  prettier  when  touched  up  with  water  colors, 


J^romotion  Bap  63 


and  the  messages  may  read  something  like  the  follow- 
ing: 

"Dear  little  friend:  This  little  girl  is  four  years  old, 
and  she  goes  to  Sunday  school  every  week.  You 
are  four  years  old,  and  wouldn't  you  like  to  be  in 
our  Beginners  Class?" 

"Good-morning,  Little  Cradle  Roll  Girl!  How 
would  you  like  to  be  a  Beginner  now  that  you  are 
so  big  and  strong?  Won't  you  come  to  our  Sunday 
school  and  try  it?" 

As  a  part  of  the  exercise,  the  wall  roll  may  be  placed 
upon  a  table  or  chair,  where  it  can  be  reached  by  the 
children,  and  as  each  name  is  called  the  little  fingers 
may  be  guided  to  the  place  where  the  owner's  name  card 
is  inserted,  that  he  may  remove  it.  The  card  is  to  be 
taken  home  as  a  souvenir,  or  given  to  the  new  teacher. 
Or,  as  the  names  are  called,  an  assistant  may  remove  the 
cards  and  hand  them  to  the  children. 

If  it  is  customary  to  leave  the  names  on  the  wall  roll, 
a  tiny  pink  rosebud  seal,  the  emblem  of  the  Beginners 
Class,  or  a  gold  star,  pasted  opposite  the  name,  will 
indicate  that  baby  is  no  longer  a  member  of  the  Cradle 
Roll  but  of  the  Beginners  Class. 

It  is  a  pleasing  and  profitable  custom  to  have  each 
of  the  graduates  secure  a  new  member  to  take  the  place 
vacated.  When  this  is  done,  the  certificate  may  have 
the  words,  '^Promoted  with  Honor,"  inserted.  An- 
other way  is  to  have  a  gold  seal  placed  upon  the  cer- 
tificate, or  the  ribbons  for  tying  may  be  of  a  special 
color. 

When  the  time  arrives  for  promoting  the  little  ones, 


64  ^Jje  Crablc  3^oU  department 

the  question  asked  the  superintendent  is,  ''What  part 
can  the  babies  take  in  such  a  service?"  A  charming 
promotion  service  in  which  the  Uttle  ones  may  have  a 
part,  yet  say  nothing,  and  which  may  be  carried  out 
with  any  number  of  children,  is  this: 

The  Beginners  teacher  and  Cradle  Roll  superin- 
tendent work  together.  From  the  Beginners  Class 
select  as  many  children  as  there  are  little  graduates, 
and  have  the  same  number  of  big  boys  as  little  boys, 
and  a  big  girl  for  each  little  girl.  The  Beginners,  with 
their  teacher,  each  wearing  a  pink  rosebud,  the  emblem 
of  their  Department,  and  holding  a  similar  blossom  in 
the  left  hand,  take  their  place  on  one  side  of  the  plat- 
form. Up  the  steps  and  across  the  platform  will  come 
the  Cradle  Roll  superintendent,  followed  by  the  little 
graduates.  They  form  a  semicircle,  and  the  pastor, 
or  superintendent,  with  a  few  appropriate  words,  pre- 
sents the  certificates.  The  Cradle  Roll  superintendent 
turns  to  the  group  of  Beginners,  and,  addressing  the 
teacher,  says:  "These  are  our  little  Cradle  Roll  gradu- 
ates, who  are  now  old  enough  to  attend  Sunday  school 
regularly.  Have  you  a  place  for  them  in  your  class?" 
The  Beginners  teacher  replies:  ''Yes,  we  have  room  for 
them  and  many  more,  and  as  Jesus  said  to  let  the  little 
ones  come  unto  him,  so  in  his  name  we  bid  them  wel- 
come. Shall  we  not,  little  Beginners  ?  "  (turning  to  the 
group  beside  her).  The  Beginners  in  chorus  reply: 
"Yes,  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  me. 
These  are  the  words  of  our  Saviour,  spoken  to  such  as 
these."    The  Cradle  Roll  superintendent,  turning  to 


^Promotion  Baj>  65 


her  little  flock,  says:  "Dear  little  ones,  the  time  has 
come  when  you  are  no  longer  members  of  the  Cradle 
Roll,  but  are  ready  to  take  your  place  with  these  other 
children.  Do  you  want  to  become  Beginners,  and 
attend  Sunday  school  each  Sunday,  to  learn  to  sing 
pretty  songs,  and  to  hear  beautiful  stories  about  God 
and  the  dear  Lord  Jesus?"  The  little  ones  signify  their 
willingness  either  by  saying  ''Yes"  or  by  a  simple  nod 
of  the  head.  Turning  to  the  other  teacher,  the  super- 
intendent says:  ''Here  they  are.  Train  them  for 
Jesus,  lead  them  in  the  way  wherein  their  little  feet 
should  walk,  and  may  you  be  faithful  to  the  great  trust 
that  is  now  laid  upon  you."  The  teacher  steps  to 
one  side,  and  the  Beginners  come  forward,  each  taking 
a  place  beside  one  of  the  smaller  children,  and  holding 
him  by  the  hand.  The  teacher  says,  "As  you  are  to 
be  little  Beginners,  you  must  have  the  emblem  of  our 
class,  to  show  that  you  belong  to  us."  At  this  the  Be- 
ginners place  a  rosebud  in  the  hand  of  each  new  mem- 
ber, and  then,  hand  in  hand,  the  little  ones  march  off 
the  platform,  following  the  teacher,  who  leads  them  to 
seats  reserved  among  the  Beginners. 

A  march  of  the  graduates  is  an  easy  thing  to  arrange. 
After  the  Cradle  Roll  song  and  prayer  the  members 
of  the  Cradle  Roll  follow  the  superintendent  across  the 
front  of  the  church,  down  one  aisle,  across  the  back  of 
the  auditorium,  and  up  another  aisle  to  the  platform. 
The  superintendent,  or  an  assistant,  will  carry  the  little 
cradle,  and  in  this  may  be  placed  the  certificates.  The 
leader  may  have  in  each  hand  the  end  of  a  long  streamer 
5 


66  ^ije  Crable  il^oll  department 

of  ribbon  or  cheesecloth  (half  a  width),  and  the  other 
ends  may  be  held  by  a  helper.  The  children  march 
in  line  between  the  two  streamers,  holding  on  to  either 
side.  As  they  reach  the  platform  the  streamers  are 
dropped,  and  they  stand  in  a  semicircle,  while  the 
superintendent  explains  that  now  they  are  about  to 
leave  the  Cradle  Roll  and  become  members  of  the  next 
Department  of  the  school,  the  Beginners.  Certificates 
are  presented,  and  the  Beginners  teacher  escorts  them 
to  special  seats  among  the  group  of  Beginners. 

A  more  elaborate  service  might  be  called  ''The 
Open  Gate.''  A  small  fence  about  two  feet  high  is 
placed  midway  across  the  platform.  A  gate,  hung  on 
hinges  so  that  it  swings  easily,  is  set  in  the  middle. 
The  gate  is  held  together  with  ribbon  ties.  Sometimes 
the  fence  is  painted  white;  again  it  is  trimmed  with 
flowers,  vines  or  ferns.  A  little  boy  and  girl  from  the 
Beginners  Department,  each  carrying  a  basket  of  flow- 
ers or  of  smaller  baskets,  take  their  place  at  the  gate  on 
the  outside,  or  side  nearest  the  audience.  The  little 
baskets,  if  they  are  used,  are  filled  with  tiny  white 
flowers  or  pink  rosebuds,  and  a  bow  of  ribbon  or  tulle 
is  tied  to  the  handle  of  each.  While  a  march  is  being 
played,  the  graduates  come  in  from  an  anteroom  and 
take  their  place  on  the  platform,  back  of  the  fence. 
An  older  child  recites: 

"Open  the  gates  for  the  dear  little  feet, 
Coming  to  enter  our  Bible  school  class; 
Out  of  the  years  of  their  babyhood  sweet 

Now  through  the  portals  of  childhood  they  pass. 
Open  the  gates  and  welcome  them  in, 
Welcome  the  Cradle  Roll  band." 


promotion  Baj>  67 


The  two  Beginners  open  the  gate,  and,  as  the  children 
pass  through,  each  is  handed  a  flower  or  one  of  the  small 
baskets.  The  superintendent  gives  the  certificates  and 
presents  the  little  ones  to  the  Beginners  teacher,  who 
leads  them  off  the  platform  to  seats  in  the  new  class. 

The  little  fence  used  in  so  many  promotion  services 
may  be  a  strong  wooden  affair  made  by  a  carpenter,  or 
something  less  expensive  will  serve  as  a  substitute. 
Some  of  the  boys  in  the  older  classes  would  doubtless 
be  glad  to  make  it.  One  superintendent  made  her  own 
by  using  two  long  strips  of  wood,  wound  with  white 
crepe  paper,  attached  to  two  steady  upright  pieces, 
which  formed  the  gateway.  The  other  ends  were 
fastened  to  the  back  of  pulpit  and  desk.  The  pickets 
were  strips  of  white  paper  tacked  to  the  cross-bars. 
This  made  a  pretty,  but  frail,  fence.  Another  used 
two  old  panel  picture  frames  for  gates,  tying  them  to 
the  posts  with  ribbon  hinges. 

Just  before  Promotion  Day  is  a  good  time  to  have  a 
Cradle  Roll  party — one  given  in  honor  of  the  little 
graduates  about  to  leave  the  Department.  Sometimes 
only  the  graduates  are  invited;  again,  they  are  the 
guests  of  honor.  At  these  parties  the  picture  of  the 
group  of  graduates  may  be  taken,  and  where  this  is 
done  each  year,  and  each  picture  framed  and  hung  on 
the  walls  of  the  schoolroom,  or  mounted  in  a  scrap- 
book,  it  makes  a  pleasing  record  of  the  number  who 
have  graduated  from  the  Cradle  Roll  Department. 

A  delightful  custom  is  to  have,  in  connection  with  the 
promotion  service,  an  alumni  march,  in  which  all  the 


68  Wbt  Crable  3^oU  department 

members  of  the  school  who  have  ever  been  on  the 
Cradle  Roll  take  part.  Where  the  Department  has 
been  organized  for  years,  young  men  and  women  will 
take  their  places  with  the  little  ones  ''just  past  three." 
Let  each  ''class"  be  represented,  the  members  carrying 
white  pennants  with  the  year  of  promotion  painted 
under  the  words  "CRADLE  ROLL."  After  the  little 
graduates  are  presented  with  their  certificates  they  are 
joined  by  the  others,  according  to  the  year  of  their 
promotion,  and  then  the  whole  procession,  led  by  the 
three-year-olds,  marches  off  the  platform. 


XVIII 

Crable  J&oll  3iaj> 

One  of  the  requirements  in  the  ''  Cradle  Roll  Aims  and 
Methods"  is  that  an  annual  Cradle  Roll  Day  be  ob- 
served. This  usually  forms  a  portion  of  the  opening  or 
closing  service  in  Sunday  school,  or  may  be  held  during 
the  hour  of  morning  worship.  The  choir  will  sing 
appropriate  music;  the  pastor  preach  a  special  sermon 
to  the  parents,  and  a  demonstration  of  Cradle  Roll 
work  be  given.  In  some  schools  the  babies  are  invited 
to  be  present  the  last  Sunday  of  each  quarter  in  the 
Beginners  or  Primary  room,  where  a  short  welcome 
service  is  held.  In  addition,  the  Cradle  Roll  usually 
has  a  place  on  the  program  of  all  special  days. 

The  parents  should  receive  a  cordial  invitation  to 
attend  and  bring  baby,  and  special  seats  may  be  re- 
served for  them.  If  possible,  arrange  to  have  auto- 
mobiles go  after  the  babies,  and  so  make  sure  of  their 
being  present. 

A  good  exercise  to  use  in  connection  with  the  service 
is  the  Cradle  Roll  catechism.  The  superintendent  is 
assisted  by  ten  young  girls,  who  form  a  semicircle 
around  the  cradle,  which  stands  on  the  platform.  To 
the  sides  are  attached  ribbons,  one  of  which  is  held  by 

69 


70  tTfje  Crable  3^oU  iSepartment 

each  girl.     A  Cradle  Roll  welcome  song  is  sung,  and 
then  the  following  questions  asked: 

Superintendeni. — What  is  the  Cradle  Roll? 

First  Girl. — A  Department  of  the  Sunday  school  for  the  babies 
who  are  too  small  to  attend  the  services.  We  put  their  names 
on  the  roll,  and  then,  when  they  are  three  years  old,  bring 
them  into  the  Beginners  Class. 

Superintendent. — Whom  do  we  enroll? 

Second. — Any  baby  in  the  neighborhood  under  three  (or  four) 
years  of  age  who  is  not  already  on  some  other  roll,  provided 
the  parents  will  allow  us  to. 

Superintendent. — Do  we  ever  try  to  get  the  babies  away  from 
other  schools  or  other  denominations? 

Third. — No,  but  where  the  parents  do  not  attend  any  other 
church,  or  where  there  is  no  Cradle  Roll  connected  with  their 
Sunday  school,  then,  if  they  will  consent  to  it,  we  enroll  them 
on  ours. 

Superintendent. — How  many  babies  have  we  on  our  roll  at  the 
present  time? 

Fourth. .     During  the  past  year have  been  promoted 

to  the  Beginners  Class, have  moved  away, died,  so 

altogether  we  have  had . 

Superintendent. — Are  there  many  babies  enrolled  on  Cradle  Rolls 
throughout  the  world? 

Fifth. — Yes,  there  are  a  great  many — over  a  million. 

"Have  you  heard  of  the  host  from  Baby  land, 

Marching  up  to  the  battle  with  sin? 
How  their  lines  reach  out  from  shore  to  shore 

In  the  cause  they  would  help  us  to  win? 
Their  names  are  writ  on  our  Cradle  Rolls, 

And  we  list  to  the  music  made 
By  the  prattling  sweet,  and  the  pattering  feet 

Of  the  httle  Tink  Toe  Brigade.'" 

Superintendent. — What  kinds  of  babies  do  we  want  on  the  roll? 


Crable  l^oil  Bap  71 


Sixth. — 

''Babies  short,  and  babies  tall, 
Babies  big,  and  babies  small. 
Blue-eyed  babies,  babies  fair, 
BrowTi-eyed  babies,  with  lots  of  hair. 
Babies  so  tiny  they  can't  sit  up, 
Babies  that  drink  from  a  silver  cup. 
Babies  that  coo,  babies  that  creep, 
Babies  that  only  can  eat  and  sleep. 
Babies  that  laugh,  and  babies  that  talk, 
Babies  quite  big  enough  to  walk." 

Superintendent. — What  do  we  look  for  as  the  result  of  the  influ- 
ences of  the  Cradle  Roll  upon  the  homes  and  community? 

Seventh. — 

"Before  this  brigade  of  sweet  innocents 
Old  Evil  can  never  stand; 
And  who  shall  number  the  lost  led  back 

By  the  clasp  of  a  baby's  hand? 
Their  names  are  writ  on  our  Cradle  Rolls, 

And  our  Bible  schools  find  aid. 
And  consecration,  and  inspiration 
In  the  little  'Pink  Toe  Brigade.'" 

Superintendent. — Are  any  babies  too  young  or  too  small  to  be- 
come members  of  the  Cradle  Roll? 

Eighth. — 

"In  a  tiny  cradle,  curtained  round  with  white. 
Lies  a  darling  hahy,  dainty,  sweet  and  bright; 
Claim  him  now  for  Jesus,  through  the  Cradle  Roll, 
Then,  when  older,  bring  him  to  our  Sunday  school." 

Superintendent. — Why  do  we  have  a  Cradle  Roll? 

Ninth. — Because  Jesus  took  them,  the  little  children,  in  his  arms, 
put  his  hands  upon  them,  and  blessed  them. 

(The  girls  all  sing,  very  softly.) 
"I  think,  when  I  read  that  sweet  story  of  old, 
When  Jesus  was  here  among  men ; 
How  he  called  little  children  as  lambs  to  his  fold, 
I  should  Hke  to  have  been  with  them  then." 

Superintendent. — What  is  our  real  reason  for  having  a  Cradle 
RoU? 


72  ^fje  Crable  a^oU  department 

Tenth. — Because  the  Bible  says:  "And  they  were  bringing  unto 
him  also  their  babes,  that  he  should  touch  them:  but  when 
the  disciples  saw  it,  they  rebuked  them.  But  Jesus  called 
them  unto  him,  saying,  Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto 
me,  and  forbid  them  not:  for  to  such  belongeth  the  kingdom 
of  God." 

With  bowed  heads  the  girls  repeat: 

"Heavenly  Father,  hear  our  prayer; 
Keep  within  thy  constant  care 
These  dear  babies  thou  hast  sent, 
To  their  loving  parents  lent. 
To  be  taught  and  trained  for  you. 
May  our  school  its  mission  do, 
Love  and  pray  for,  guard  them,  too." 

This  service  may  be  followed  by  roll  call  and  presenta- 
tion of  a  flower  to  each  baby  present. 

In  explaining  the  nature  of  Cradle  Roll  work  to  the 
congregation,  one  superintendent  introduced,  at  the 
proper  time,  a  full-sized  bassinet,  daintily  trimmed  in 
blue  ribbon  and  white  peonies.  In  this  were  placed 
several  of  the  smallest  of  the  babies,  thus  showing  who 
were  being  cared  for. 

Where  Cradle  Roll  Welcome  Sunday  is  observed 
quarterly  in  the  Beginners  or  Primary  room,  the 
exercise  is  very  simple.  On  the  preceding  Sunday 
mention  is  made  that  next  Sunday  will  be  Cradle  Roll 
Day,  or  a  little  banner  with  the  picture  of  a  baby  is 
hung  in  front  of  the  room  so  that  the  little  folks  may 
remember  what  is  to  come  next  Sunday.  Sometimes 
a  rubber  stamp  with  the  words  ''Cradle  Roll  Day 
Next  Sunday"  is  used  to  stamp  all  the  cards  and  papers 
which  the  children  take  home. 


Crable  iaoU  Bap  73 


Seats  are  provided  for  the  parents  in  the  rear  of  the 
room.  They  can  then  see  what  is  going  on  in  the 
classes,  but  their  presence  does  not  interfere  with  the 
children  so  much  as  though  they  were  seated  in  front. 
When  the  little  ones  sing  the  song  of  welcome,  they 
turn  and  face  the  back  of  the  room.  The  Cradle  Roll 
exercise  is  only  a  part  of  the  program,  so  too  much  time 
must  not  be  devoted  to  it.  The  parents  and  visitors 
will  enjoy  seeing  something  of  the  regular  work  of  the 
Department.  A  pretty  service  which  will  occupy  less 
than  ten  minutes  is  this:  Song: 

"A  welcome  to  you, 
A  welcome  to  you, 
A  welcome,  dear  parents. 
We're  glad  to  see  you. 

*'A  welcome  to  you, 
A  welcome  to  you, 
A  welcome,  dear  babies. 
We're  glad  to  see  you." 

Concert  recitation:  "The  Lord  bless  thee,  and  keep  thee. 

Teachers:    The  Lord  make  his  face  to  shine  upon  thee,  and  be 
gracious  unto  thee. 

Sujierintendent:    The  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon  thee, 
and  give  thee  peace." 

Concert  prayer,  children  standing  with  bowed  heads  and  folded 
hands : 

''Bless  all  our  Cradle  babies, 
Wherever  the}^  may  be; 
Although  in  homes  so  scattered 

Thou  every  one  dost  see. 
We  love  them,  and  thou  lovest  them, 

Oh!  may  they  grow  to  be 
A  band  of  little  Christians, 

Obedient,  Lord,  to  thee.     Amen." 


74  ^fje  Crable  ^^oll  department 

If  there  is  a  new  name  to  be  added  to  the  roll,  the  usual 
enrollment  service  is  carried  out  in  addition  to  this. 

The  cradle  occupies  a  prominent  place  during  the 
service,  and  the  attention  of  the  visitors  is  called  to  any 
special  feature  of  wall  roll  or  picture  display.  At  the 
close,  a  little  souvenir  is  given  each  baby.  This  may 
be  a  card,  a  flower,  tiny  plant,  or  some  such  trifle. 

Visitors'  welcome  cards,  to  be  used  on  any  occasion 
when  parents  are  invited  to  a  Cradle  Roll  service,  are 
sometimes  handed  the  parents  as  they  enter  or  leave 
the  room.     One  such  card  reads: 

We  are  glad  to  see  you  among 

Welcome!      the  worshipers  this  morning. 

It  would  give  our  pastor  and 

our  members  pleasure  to  meet  you  at  the 

close  of  the  service,  and  become  personally 

acquainted  with  you  and  dear  baby. 

Cradle  Roll  Superintendent. 


g>pecial  ©apjf 

A  share  in  all  special  days  belongs  to  the  babies,  and 
they  will  want  a  place  on  the  program.  The  same 
general  features  which  are  outlined  for  Cradle  Roll 
Sunday  may  be  adapted  to  suit  the  occasion.  Special 
invitations  must  be  sent  to  each  baby  to  con^.e  and  bring 
parents  and  friends.  A  little  souvenir  of  some  kind 
may  be  provided.  Have  the  Cradle  Roll  number  of 
the  program  so  bright  and  attractive  that  it  will  be  the 
very  best  of  the  whole  service. 

Occasionally  seats  are  reserved  for  the  babies  and 
their  parents,  and  if  possible  small  rocking-chairs  are 
provided  for  the  use  of  mothers  who  may  have  to  hold 
restless  children.  These  may  be  placed  in  the  back  of 
the  room. 

A  suggestive  program  for  use  on  Easter,  Mother's 
Day,  Children's  Da}^  Rally  Day,  or  other  special 
season,  and  which  will  take  less  than  ten  minutes  to 
present,  is  this: 

Girls  from  the  Primary  or  the  Junior  department  stand 
around  the  cradle,  which  is  on  a  table  upon  the  plat- 
form. They  sing  a  verse  of  the  Cradle  Roll  Ode,  using 
the  famihar  tune,  "America": 

75 


76  Cije  Crable  i^oU  department 

"God  bless  these  babies  dear, 
All  who  are  gathered  here, 

Our  Cradle  Roll. 
Jesus,  in  thy  dear  arms 
Keep  safe  from  all  that  harms 
And  guard  from  all  alarms, 

Our  Cradle  Roll." 

A  report  of  the  Department  may  be  given  by  the 
superintendent,  which  will  include,  in  addition  to  the 
number  of  babies  enrolled,  et  cetera,  anything  else  that 
may  be  of  special  interest  to  that  particular  congre- 
gation. She  then  reads  from  her  Bible:  ''And  they 
were  bringing  unto  him  also  their  babes,  that  he  should 
touch  them:  but  when  the  disciples  saw  it,  they  re- 
buked them.  But  Jesus  called  them  unto  him,  saying. 
Suffer  the  little  children  to  come  unto  me,  and  forbid 
them  not:  for  to  such  belongeth  the  kingdom  of  God." 

The  girls  sing, 

''I  think,  when  I  read  that  sweet  story  of  old" 

and  offer  one  of  the  little  Cradle  Roll  prayers. 

If  there  is  a  new  member  to  be  welcomed, — and  it  is 
well  to  keep  a  name  in  reserve  for  this  occasion, — a 
special  enrollment  service  is  given. 

If  there  are  not  too  many  babies,  the  roll  may  be 
called,  the  mother  bringing  baby  to  the  platform  in 
response  to  its  name. 


XX 

Cf)tis;tma£f 

The  babies  must  have  a  part  in  the  Christmas  cele- 
bration. They  may  meet  with  the  children  of  the 
Beginners  and  Primary  classes,  or  by  themselves,  if 
the  Department  is  large.  Where  the  whole  school 
unites  in  a  service  the  Sunday  preceding  Christmas  the 
babies  have  a  part;  but  they  are  not  expected  to  be 
present  at  an  evening  entertainment. 

A  pleasing  custom  followed  by  one  school  is  to  hold 
a  vesper  service  the  Sunday  afternoon '  before  Christ- 
mas, when  all  the  school  members  and  their  parents 
gather  together  and  sing  Christmas  hymns.  The 
parents  of  the  babies  receive  a  special  invitation  to  be 
present,  and  seats  are  reserved  for  them. 

Another  pretty  plan  is  to  have  two  trees,  one  large 
tree  for  the  main  school,  and  a  small  tree  for  the  Cradle 
Roll.  The  two  trees  are  placed  on  the  platform  side 
by  side,  the  babies'  tree  being  trimmed  in  things  ap- 
propriate to  them. 

If  you  want  to  interest  the  mothers  during  the  busy 
Christmas  season  enough  to  get  them  to  take  the  trouble 
and  time  to  prepare  baby  and  bring  him  to  the  partj^, 
make  your  invitation  so  pretty  that  they  cannot  resist. 
When  a  hectograph  is  used,  all  sorts  of  pretty  little 
sketches  showing  Santa,  trees,  stars,  and  other  Christ- 

77 


78  tIDfje  Crable  3^oU  department 

mas  symbols  may  decorate  the  invitation.  Christmas 
seals  may  also  be  used  in  a  number  of  ways.  A  little 
fir  tree  cut  from  green  paper,  decorated  with  tiny  gold 
or  silver  stars,  the  invitation  written  on  the  back,  is 
good.  Or  two  stockings  may  be  cut  from  paper,  the 
edges  pasted  together,  and  a  note  slipped  in  the  top. 
The  stocking  may  be  decorated  with  a  Christmas  seal, 
and  the  invitation  written  underneath.  Stockings 
made  from  scrim  or  tarlatan  are  used  as  an  envelope 
for  the  invitation. 

Little  Christmas  bells  may  be  cut  from  red  or  green 
paper,  and  a  star-shaped  card  is  appropriate.  A  star 
cut  from  red  cardboard  may  have  a  Christmas  seal  in 
the  center,  and  around  the  edge  may  be  written, 
''Under  the  stars  one  holy  night,  a  little  Babe  was 
born." 

Superintendents  who  believe  that  a  catchy  rhyme 
will  attract  the  mothers,  when  a  more  formal  style 
would  not,  have  used  the  following: 

"Dear  baby,  and  mother,  remember! 
Wednesday,  th6  twenty-third  of  December, 
Santa  invites  you  to  come  and  see 
His  beautiful  big  Christmas  tree." 

"Christmas  is  coming! 

Ho!  Ho!  Ho!  Ho! 
Christmas  is  coming, 

With  ice  and  snow. 
Come  to  our  party 

On  Monday,  at  two. 
You'll  have  a  good  time 

And  mother  will,  too." 

Where  a  giving  Christmas  is  being  observed  by  the 


Ci)ri£itmag  79 


school,  the  babies  may  be  allowed  to  have  a  part. 
One  superintendent  sent  to  each  of  her  little  charges 
the  following  note: 

Dear  Baby  Ruth:  I  am  sure  that  you  will  want 
to  know  what  our  Sunday  school  is  going  to  do 
on  Christmas  Eve,  so  I  am  writing  this  little 
letter  to  tell  you. 

The  service,  this  year,  is  to  be  more  of  giv- 
ing than  of  receiving.  We  will  have  an  enter- 
tainment called  "White  Gifts  for  the  King," 
and  each  one  will  have  an  envelope  in  which  I 
would  like  to  have  you  put  your  offering  and 
return  to  me  before  Christmas  Eve,  so  that  we 
may  have  our  gift  ready  for  that  time. 

The  Cradle  Roll  gift  w^ll  be  furnishings  for 
a  baby's  bed  at  the  hospital  and  other  things 
used  for  the  babies  who  have  to  go  there. 
Lovingly  yours. 

Cradle  Roll  Superintendent. 

An  invitation  tied  to  a  long  stocking  made  from  bright 
cotton  cloth,  in  which  is  a  card  reading  "Please  fill 
this  stocking  with  goodies,  from  the  top  right  down  to 
the  toe,"  is  one  way  of  having  the  babies  remember 
others  at  the  Christmas  time. 


XXI 

^onbmix^  for  Special  ^eas^ons; 

The  superintendent  who  likes  to  remember  the  babies 
in  her  Department  with  a  small  souvenir  as  a  token  of 
her  loving  thought  for  them  at  any  and  every  special 
season  may  find  a  few  suggestions  as  to  what  others 
have  used  helpful.  Only  tiny  things,  these  souvenirs, 
but  they  have  their  place  in  keeping  the  parents  and 
other  members  of  the  family  interested  in  the  Cradle 
Roll,  and  through  it,  in  the  church.  The  wise  superin- 
tendent, unless  she  has  plenty  of  time  at  her  command, 
will  endeavor  to  interest  others  in  the  making  of  these 
favors.  What  would  be  a  big  task  for  one  person  is 
only  play  when  a  number  get  at  it.  How  the  older 
girls  dehght  in  making  these  little  gifts!  And  how 
often  an  invalid  will  forget  her  pain  and  troubles  if 
she  is  kept  busy  with  some  such  light  work  as  this. 
Or  an  old  lady  will  enjoy  the  thought  of  still  being 
useful,  even  though  unable  to  get  out  of  the  house,  if 
she  is  asked  to  make  knitted  balls  or  bean  bags  for  the 
babies.  The  boys,  too,  will  not  refuse  to  do  anything 
they  can  if  asked. 

Scrapbooks  may  be  made  of  white  or  colored  paper 
cambric.  Cut  the  cambric  in  strips  twenty  inches 
long  by  eight  wide,  and  fold  in  the  center.  The  re- 
quired number  of  leaves  are  stitched  together,  pretty 

80 


^oubcnirsf  for  Special  ^easfong  81 

pictures  pasted  in,  and  the  book  is  ready  for  baby. 
Sometimes  a  cover  of  white  oilcloth  is  added.  The  boys 
may  assist  in  making  these  books. 

A  tiny  tarlatan  stocking  filled  with  candy  is  some- 
times used,  and  so  are  little  baskets  packed  with  cookies. 
Some  superintendents  prefer  to  use  plain  cookies  or 
crackers  instead  of  candy,  as  the  mothers  object  to  the 
latter. 

Where  there  is  a  large  membership,  try  grading  the 
gifts,  that  is,  a  special  thing  for  each  year.  This  gives  a 
variety. 

Sometimes  it  is  the  mothers  who  are  remembered  by 
the  superintendent,  and  a  little  gift  is  sent  in  the  name 
of  baby.  One  used  her  camera  and  secured  a  picture 
of  every  baby.  At  Christmas  each  mother  received  a 
picture  of  her  own  baby,  with  the  message  on  the  back : 

"Here's  your  Cradle  Roll  baby 
So  cunning  and  sweet, 
From  the  top  of  his  head 
To  the  soles  of  his  feet." 

Another  sent  to  each  mother  a  group  picture  of  all 
the  guests  at  one  of  the  Cradle  Roll  receptions. 

A  package  of  Comfort  Powders  would  make  a  good 
Christmas  gift  for  the  mother,  if  accompanied  with  a 
Christmas  wish  and  instructions  to  take  one  when  feel- 
ing tired.  Little  quotations  on  baby  or  motherhood — 
just  a  line  perhaps,  or  maybe  a  poem  of  several  verses — 
are  written  on  slips  of  paper  and  rolled  in  a  piece  of 
fringed  tissue-paper.  A  half-dozen  of  these  little  rolls 
are  tied  together. 
6 


82  ^f}t  CratJle  H^oU  department 

A  calendar  made  by  mounting  a  picture  on  a  piece 
of  cardboard  and  adding  a  calendar  pad  makes  a  nice 
remembrance,  particularly  if  baby's  birthday  is  marked 
by  a  star  or  some  other  symbol.  Then,  when  the 
mother  looks  over  the  calendar,  she  realizes  that  the 
superintendent  had  her  in  mind  when  making  it. 

Valentine's  Day  is  another  good  time  for  remember- 
ing the  babies.  A  package  of  twenty-five  red  hearts 
can  be  bought  for  ten  cents.  On  these  paste  tiny  scrap 
pictures  or  little  text  cards  such  as  are  used  in  some 
Primary  Departments,  and  then  write  baby's  name  and 
a  little  greeting,  perhaps  adding  the  name  of  the  school. 
Two  hearts,  one  slightly  smaller  than  the  other,  may  be 
tied  together,  or  several  small  decorated  hearts  strung 
on  a  ribbon. 

The  Christmas  sachet  idea  is  equally  good  when  a 
valentine  card  is  used,  and  the  envelope  may  be  fas- 
tened with  a  little  heart  seal. 

The  Sunbonnet  Babies,  cut  from  colored  paper,  may 
be  used  for  valentines.  Write  a  message  on  the  inside, 
and  see  if  the  little  folks  don't  think  them  the  nicest  of 
valentines. 

The  Sunbonnet  girl  and  Overall  boy,  outlined  on  a 
small  card  and  colored  with  water  colors,  make  another 
pretty  valentine.  Add  the  words,  ''To  my  Valentine," 
or  some  such  message,  and  on  the  back  write  baby's 
name  and  a  greeting. 

A  delightful  set  of  Easter  cards  was  made  for  the 
fifty  babies  of  one  Department.  Magazine  pictures 
were  sought  which  fitted  the  child  for  whom  the  card 


^oubenirjf  for  Special  B>tafionsi  83 

was  intended.  These  were  mounted  on  plain  cards 
and  touched  up  with  water  colors.  A  verse  composed  to 
fit  the  card  and  the  child  was  written  on  one  side,  and 
on  the  back  an  Easter  greeting  signed  by  the  superin- 
tendent. These  cards  were  the  work  of  a  class  of 
young  ladies. 

Flower  seeds  and  plants  are  frequently  used  at  Easter. 
One  superintendent  arranged  for  a  group  of  Junior 
boys  to  deliver  to  each  baby  on  Easter  morning  a  tiny 
flowerpot,  tied  with  a  green  ribbon,  in  which  was  planted 
a  nasturtium  seed.  The  boys  explained  to  the  parents 
that  a  Sunday  some  time  in  July  or  August  was  to  be 
Flower  Sunday,  and  at  that  time  the  babies  were  ex- 
pected to  be  present,  and  to  use  their  plants  to  decorate 
the  chancel. 

A  tiny  packet  of  seeds  may  be  tied  to  an  Easter  card, 
or  placed  in  an  envelope  sealed  with  an  Easter  emblem. 

May  baskets  are  made  and  hung  for  the  babies. 
Children  in  the  Primary  grades  delight  to  do  this. 

Under  the  direction  of  their  teacher  a  class  of  girls 
made  pretty  little  green  paper  baskets  and  in  each  put 
a  little  plant.  These  were  given  to  the  mothers  of  the 
Cradle  Roll  babies  on  Mother's  Day. 

A  cradle-shaped  card,  with  a  baby's  head  pasted  on 
the  top,  the  mother's  name  written  underneath,  and 
below  that  a  quotation  on  motherhood,  will  make  a 
very  good  place  card  to  use  at  the  tables  when  serving 
refreshments  at  a  baby  party. 

A  practical  souvenir  is  a  feeding  bib.  Checked 
glass  toweling  may  be  used,  the  sides  and  end  feather- 


84  Wbt  Crable  i^oU  Bepartment 

stitched  in  colored  cotton,  and  the  neck  bound  with 
tape.  These  cost  less  than  five  cents  each.  Another 
style  may  be  made  from  two  thicknesses  of  cheese- 
cloth lightly  quilted  together.  Before  serving  refresh- 
ments, tie  a  bib  under  each  little  chin,  and  tell  baby  to 
take  it  home  as  a  reminder  of  the  party. 

Dolls  always  make  good  favors.  Fresh,  clean  clothes- 
pins may  be  gayly  dressed,  and  will  please  the  little 
ones,  and  so  will  the  cute  little  dolls  which  can  be  fash- 
ioned from  corn  husks.  Dolls  made  of  yarn  or  plain 
carpet  warp  are  always  enjoyed,  and  have  an  advantage 
over  some  of  the  others  in  that  they  may  be  washed. 
What  fun  a  crowd  of  girls,  and  boys,  too,  would  have 
in  making  a  quantity  of  these  dolls  for  the  babies! 

Souvenirs  prepared  entirely  by  a  class  of  boys  were 
p)ennants.  Blue  pennants  were  made  for  the  girls, 
and  pink  for  the  boys.  They  were  made  from  cambric, 
mounted  on  smooth  sticks.  The  words  *' Cradle  Roll" 
were  painted  in  black  on  one  side. 

A  tiny  bouquet  of  flowers  tied  to  a  ribbon  loop  large 
enough  to  slip  over  baby's  head  was  used  as  a  souvenir 
at  one  Cradle  Roll  party.  A  nosegay  was  hung  around 
each  little  neck. 

A  class  of  girls  had  a  fine  time  one  evening  when 
they  met  with  the  superintendent  and  helped  to  fashion 
the  cutest  little  baby  bonnets  from  paper  napkins. 
These  were  used  at  a  party,  and  a  part  of  the  program 
was  a  march  in  which  all  the  babies  and  their  mothers 
took  part,  the  babies  wearing  their  pretty  bonnets. 

Toy  balloons  are  favorites  with  the  little  ones,  and 


^oubcnirjs  for  Special  ^easionsi  85 

occasionally  the  only  favor  given  is  a  bow  of  blue  or 
pink  ribbon,  pinned  or  tied  to  baby's  sleeve. 

Pretty  and  inexpensive  souvenirs  may  be  made  from 
a  few  copies  of  illustrated  Mother  Goose  rhymes. 
These  may  be  bought  for  as  little  as  five  cents  each. 
Cut  out  the  figures  and  mount  them  on  plain  card- 
board, writing  the  accompanying  verse  underneath. 
Give  each  baby  a  card. 


XXII 

Crable  J&oll  parties; 

It  is  a  little  more  interesting  to  be  invited  to  an  ani- 
mal or  a  cooky  social  than  just  to  a  ''party/'  and  it  is 
really  easier  for  the  superintendent  to  arrange  such  a 
party  than  where  there  is  no  definite  idea  to  carry  out 
in  invitation,  program  and  decorations.  Then,  too, 
the  mothers  will  often  make  a  greater  effort  to  attend 
if  the  invitation  is  unusual  in  form  and  color,  and  the 
party  promises  to  be  something  of  special  interest. 
Use  any  legitimate  means  that  will  bring  the  mothers 
and  babies  out.  There  are  so  few  places  where  a  mother 
feels  free  to  go  and  take  baby  for  a  social  afternoon,  that 
specially  planned  entertainments  for  them  are  very 
welcome.  And  often  the  only  time  a  mother  enters 
church  while  her  little  ones  are  small  is  in  connection 
with  some  Cradle  Roll  event.  One  superintendent 
says  that  she  always  plans  every  social  and  enter- 
tainment to  be  held  in  the  church,  rather  than  at  her 
own  home,  so  that  the  very  earliest  impressions  the 
httle  ones  receive  of  church  will  be  happy. 

Cradle  Roll  parties  must  not  be  confused  with 
mothers'  meetings.  The  parties  are  intended  to  bring 
the  mothers  together  in  a  social  way,  to  have  them  meet 
the  pastor  and  other  of  the  church  members,  and  to  en- 
joy some  pleasing  entertainment.     A  set  program  is  not 

86 


Crable  i^oli  l^avtit^  87 

always  successful,  for  just  at  a  time  when  something 
interesting  is  going  on,  some  baby  is  sure  to  demand 
attention.  At  a  mothers'  meeting  the  babies  are  cared 
for  in  another  room,  and  the  mothers  left  free  to  listen 
without  interruption.  The  parties,  however,  may  be 
made  bright  with  music,  readings  or  games — something 
of  a  simple  entertaining  nature. 

There  are  always  mothers  connected  with  the  Cradle 
Roll  who  are  members  of  the  church  and  those  who  are 
not.  It  should  be  the  aim  of  those  on  the  "inside"  to 
look  after  those  who  are  not  members,  and  try  by  their 
quiet  influence  to  draw  them  in. 

After  going  to  the  trouble  and  expense  of  preparing 
for  a  party  the  superintendent  naturally  hopes  that  a 
majority  of  the  mothers  will  be  present.  It  is  the  cus- 
tom of  one  superintendent  to  write  a  note  to  each  ab- 
sentee the  day  after  the  party  telling  how  she  missed 
her,  and  asking  after  health  of  mother  and  babe.  A 
second  card  is  seldom  sent  to  one  baby,  because  ''next 
time"  the  mother  makes  an  effort  to  be  present,  feeling 
that  she  is  really  wanted. 

The  question  of  suitable  refreshments  to  serve  may 
trouble  the  inexperienced  superintendent.  Sometimes 
the  nature  of  the  party  will  suggest  the  most  suitable 
things  to  serve.  It  must  be  remembered  that  never 
should  anything  elaborate  or  rich  be  provided.  Our 
guests  are  only  little  folks,  and  those  who  are  old  enough 
to  eat  are  not  yet  ready  for  anything  but  the  sim- 
plest food.  Sometimes  the  babies  are  seated  at  one 
table  and  the  mothers  at  another.     Then  the  mothers 


Clje  Crablc  i^oll  department 


may  be  served  with  different  refreshments.  At  one 
party  the  Uttle  folks  were  dehghted  to  find  animal 
crackers  walking  over  dishes  of  pure  ice  cream.  As 
fast  as  the  animals  disappeared  watchful  attendants 
saw  to  it  that  others  took  their  place.  This  was  a  very 
informal  party.  Each  child  knelt  in  front  of  the  chair 
on  which  he  had  been  sitting,  using  it  as  a  table.  A 
pretty  paper  napkin  was  placed  on  each  for  a  cloth. 

A  generous  handful  of  animal  crackers  tied  up  in  a 
paper  napkin  is  another  way  of  serving.  Each  child 
is  given  a  bag  of  crackers  to  eat  with  his  ice  cream. 

Little  paper  cups  filled  with  tiny  white  candies  from 
which  arose  a  stick  of  candy  so  that  it  looked  very  much 
like  a  candle  were  placed  beside  each  plate  at  one  party, 
and  at  another  animal-shaped  cookies  were  surrounded 
by  a  fence  of  pure  white  candy. 

Cookies  of  all  styles  and  shapes  are  always  appro- 
priate, and  plain  sandwiches  of  bread  and  butter,  or 
tiny  buttered  rolls,  are  wholesome  and  good. 

Cradle  Roll  parties  may  be  as  varied  and  as  unique 
as  those  arranged  for  older  people.  Every  special 
season  and  day  may  be  the  occasion  for  a  party,  and 
though  the  little  ones  may  not  understand  the  fancy 
invitation  and  little  favors,  the  mothers  will  appreciate 
the  attention.  Something  suitable  for  every  month  of 
the  year  may  be  carried  out  if  a  little  thought  is  given 
the  subject. 

No  matter  what  kind  of  party  you  are  planning,  try 
to  have  something  unique  in  the  way  of  invitations. 
A  form  often  used  is: 


Crable  laoll  ^artieflf 


"For  once  leave  your  home  to  the  care  of  others, 
And  come  to  the  party  for  babies  and  mothers." 

This  may  be  written  on  a  card  decorated  with  the  pic- 
ture of  a  baby  cut  from  a  magazine  or  some  advertise- 
ment, the  place  of  meeting  and  date  being  added  below. 

Another  very  simple  plan  is  to  write  a  note  on  a  card 
cut  in  some  fancy  shape,  saying. 

Dear  baby ;  You  and  mother  are  in- 
vited to  a party  at  the  church  on 

Thursday  from  three  to  five.  All  the  other 
Cradle  Roll  babies  are  expected  to  be  present, 
so  please  come. 

For  a  picnic  nothing  is  prettier  than  a  basket-shaped 
card  with  a  message  such  as 

''Let  us  go  with  our  lunch  basket  and  spend  a 
happy  day  together,  all  the  Cradle  Roll  babies 
and  their  mothers,  under  the  big  green  trees 

at ." 

''What  a  lot  of  work!"  some  one  may  say.  Yes,  it 
takes  time,  money  and  brains  to  write  these  invita- 
tions, prepare  the  souvenirs,  arrange  the  meeting  place, 
plan  the  program,  provide  refreshments,  and  everything 
else,  but  who  would  not  be  willing  to  go  to  some  trouble 
and  expense  when  they  entertain  friends  in  their  own 
home?  Is  not  this,  the  Master's  work,  of  as  much  im- 
portance, and  does  it  call  for  less  time  and  talent?  And 
when  the  superintendent  realizes  the  importance  of 
these  little  social  gatherings  as  a  necessary  means  of 
estabhshing  a  spirit  of  cooperation  and  a  bond  of 
sympathy  between  home  and  church  and  school,  they 
will  surely  become  even  more  popular  than  they  are  at 
present. 


xxra 
W^t  Crable  JRoII  anb  Mis^iionn 

'  Some  superintendents  believe  that  even  the  little 
ones  on  the  Cradle  Roll  are  not  too  young  to  take  a 
part  in  the  evangelization  of  the  world.  Mite  boxes 
are  given  at  the  time  of  enrollment,  these  to  be  re- 
turned at  some  stated  time  during  the  year.  Perhaps 
once  a  quarter  the  banks  are  collected,  or  every  six 
months  they  are  replaced  with  new.  An  annual  party 
at  which  they  are  opened  is  another  method.  Easter 
is  a  good  time  to  hold  this  box  opening,  and  at  least 
one  superintendent  turns  her  Christmas  party  into  a 
missionary  meeting,  and  the  little  ones  at  that  time 
bring  their  gifts  for  missions. 

Sometimes  the  Cradle  Roll  has  a  special  missionary 
object  of  its  own — the  support  of  a  baby  in  a  mission 
orphanage  or  something  of  that  kind.  Again,  the 
Cradle  Roll  may  unite  with  Beginners  and  Primary 
departments  in  contributing  to  a  special  object.  Or 
the  school  as  a  whole  may  be  interested  in  a  cause 
toward  which  all  contribute.  In  one  school  where  an 
annual  Missionary  Day  is  observed  the  superintendent 
sent  to  each  of  the  babies  a  little  note  stating  what  was 
being  done,  and  asking  for  a  contribution  from  baby. 
With  the  letter  was  inclosed  an  envelope  to  contain  the 

90 


^fje  Crable  laoU  anb  Mi^^ioni  91 

offering.  During  the  service,  while  the  offerings  were 
being  taken  to  the  platform,  a  little  girl  from  the  Cradle 
Roll  went  up  with  the  others  and  presented  the  gift 
from  the  babies. 

The  birthday  offerings  are  commonly  used  for  mis- 
sionary purposes,  those  of  the  Cradle  Roll  babies  being 
kept  separate  or  not,  as  the  superintendent  may  desire. 

A  missionary  birthday  party  to  which  the  babies  are 
asked  to  come  and  contribute  as  many  coins,  copper, 
silver,  or  gold,  as  they  are  years  old  is  a  method  em- 
ployed to  bring  in  the  missionary  offering.  Of  course, 
the  short  program  is  missionary  in  general  character. 

The  plan  for  interesting  the  mothers  and  babies  in 
missions  as  used  by  one  superintendent  may  be  sug- 
gestive to  others.  She  did  not  invite  them  to  a  mis- 
sionary party,  as  then,  quite  probably,  many  of  the 
mothers  would  not  have  found  it  possible  to  come,  but 
there  was  something  so  unusual  and  attractive  about 
the  invitation  which  each  received  that  most  of  them 
accepted  and  were  present  on  the  appointed  afternoon. 

The  invitations  were  written  on  little  round,  orange- 
colored  cardboard,  and  read: 

Won't  you  come?     Please  do, 
And  bring  mother  with  you  to 
Our  Orange  party  next  Saturday  afternoon. 
Cradle  Roll  Superintendent. 

The  room  was  attractively  decorated  with  orange- 
colored  paper.  The  hostess  and  her  assistants  wore 
pretty  little  caps  of  orange  color,  and  each  guest  was 
presented  w^ith  a  rosette  of  the  same  shade,  which  she 


92  ^ije  Crable  3^oU  department 

was  asked  to  wear  somewhere  about  her  person  as  a 
compliment  to  the  occasion. 

When  the  guests  had  all  arrived,  the  superintendent 
told  of  her  desire  that  the  babies  on  the  Cradle  Roll 
should  have  a  part  in  the  great  mission  work  of  the 
world,  and  do  this  by  caring  for  an  orphan  baby  in  far- 
away India.  Every  baby  who  would  help  toward  its 
support  was  given  a  little  bank,  the  shape  and  color 
of  an  orange.  (These  little  banks  were  very  inexpen- 
sive, costing  five  cents  or  less.)  At  the  end  of  a  year 
they  were  to  meet  again  and  the  banks  would  be 
broken  open.  Simple  refreshments  were  served  at  the 
close  of  the  afternoon — plain  orange  jello  and  little 
round  cookies,  with  orangeade  to  drink.  The  superin- 
tendent told  the  babies  that  she  would  try  to  get  a 
picture  of  their  baby  in  India,  and  make  a  copy  for 
each  to  keep  as  a  reminder  of  their  early  interest  in 
missions. 

Home  mission  work  is  sometimes  undertaken  in  the 
name  of  the  Cradle  Roll  Department.  One  Depart- 
ment bought  and  supports  a  bed  in  a  denominational 
orphans'  home,  the  understanding  being  that  the  bed  is 
always  to  be  used  by  the  youngest  orphan  in  the  home. 
The  babies  are  invited  to  make  a  special  offering  at 
Christmas  and  on  Children's  Day,  and  this  is  used  to 
support  the  work. 


XXIV 

Wt)t  ^asJtor  anb  rtje  Crable  JRoII 

A  man  who  had  a  flock  of  sheep  was  asked  by  a 
friend  how  he  succeeded  in  raising  them.  He  replied, 
"By  taking  care  of  the  lambs."  Fortunate  is  the 
Cradle  Roll  superintendent  who  has  the  hearty  co- 
operation of  the  pastor  in  all  her  work  for  and  with  the 
little  ones;  who  believes  that  the  future  of  the  church 
lies  in  looking  after  and  caring  for  them.  Between 
them  they  can  build  up  the  congregation  and  Sunday 
school  through  interesting  the  parents  in  the  affairs 
of  the  church,  their  attention  being  first  gained  because 
of  the  interest  taken  in  baby. 

Some  pastors  recognize  the  Cradle  Roll  as  one  of  the 
greatest  doors  to  evangehstic  work  the  church  has. 
In  no  other  way  can  entrance  to  homes  and  hearts  be 
gained  so  easily  as  through  this,  the  baby  on  the  Cradle 
Roll.  The  Cradle  Roll  has  well  been  termed  a  feeder 
to  the  church  and  Sunday  school,  not  only  because  its 
members  eventually  enter  the  main  school,  but  because 
of  the  many  older  people  who  are  led  to  take  an  active 
interest  in  Sunday  school  and  church  by  reason  of  baby's 
first  being  a  member. 

The  Department  records  may  be  made  in  duplicate, 
one  going  to  the  pastor.     He  is  then  in  position  to  visit 

93 


94  ^fje  Crable  a^oU  department 

baby,  to  remember  the  birthday  with  a  greeting,  and 
to  reach  the  parents  in  a  systematic  way. 

By  attending  the  mothers'  meetings  and  Cradle  Roll 
parties  he  comes  into  contact  with  the  mothers  and 
babies,  and  can  win  an  indifferent  mother  over  to  taking 
an  interest  in  church  affairs  by  his  attention  to  the  baby. 

By  assisting  the  superintendent  in  planning  for 
Cradle  Roll  Sunday  he  shows  his  interest  in  the  De- 
partment. 

Special  attention  to  the  notices  to  be  given  from  the 
pulpit,  of  all  regular  and  special  Cradle  Roll  events, 
will  show  to  the  public  that  he  considers  the  Cradle 
Roll  a  vital  part  of  the  church  life. 

A  pastor  who  remembers  the  babies  of  the  Cradle 
Roll  while  away  on  his  vacation,  with  a  picture  post 
card  and  a  word  of  greeting,  binds  the  home  more 
closely  not  only  to  the  Sunday  school,  but  to  the 
church. 

One  superintendent  notifies  her  pastor  as  soon  as  she 
hears  of  a  new  baby.  He  immediately  writes  the  par- 
ents a  note  of  congratulation  that  God  has  so  blessed 
their  home,  and  asks  when  he  can  see  the  Baby.  He 
does  not  ask  to  see  the  parents,  but  makes  it  a  personal 
matter  with  baby.  The  proud  parents  notify  him,  and 
he  calls  as  soon  as  they  say  he  may. 


XXV 

la  iMotfjersf*  auxiliary 

"Educated  motherhood  is  the  need  of  to-day,  not 
only  in  our  own  land,  but  across  the  sea.  It  is  a  de- 
mand that  will  not  be  ignored;  it  is  a  Macedonian  cry 
that  refuses  to  be  silenced.  Mothers  are  everywhere 
pleading  for  assistance.  Every  Bible-school  worker 
desires  to  advance  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  children 
under  her  care,  and  the  religious  training  of  children 
in  the  home.  In  no  better  way  can  this  be  accom- 
plished than  by  forming  a  Mother's  Association  in 
connection  with  the  school,  in  order  that  the  mothers 
and  teachers — the  home  and  the  school — may  be 
brought  into  partnership,  and  an  allied  force  secured 
that  will  be  of  immense  value." 

This  statement  was  made  by  Mrs.  W.  F.  Heath  in 
an  address  before  elementary  workers  at  the  World's 
Sunday-School  Convention  held  in  Washington,  D.  C. 
The  truth  so  well  expressed  by  her  applies  very  largely 
to  the  Cradle  Roll  Department.  No  one  class  of  moth- 
ers needs  help  more  than  these,  that  they  may  start 
baby  right  from  the  very  beginning,  that  they  may 
train  him  physically,  mentally  and  spiritually  during 
these  three  impressionable  years  when  he  is  a  member 
of  the  Cradle  Roll. 

95 


96  ^J)e  Crable  laoU  department 

In  many  schools  Mothers'  Departments  and  Moth- 
ers' Clubs  have  been  organized.  The  mothers  meet 
together  for  Bible  study  or  the  discussion  of  such  topics 
as  may  be  of  mutual  interest.  These  are  usually  of  a 
very  practical  nature,  and  the  speakers  persons  of 
authority  on  their  subjects. 

Where  there  is  already  such  an  organization  in  the 
church,  the  superintendents  may  invite  all  the  mothers 
of  the  Cradle  Roll  to  attend.  Perhaps  for  a  part  of  the 
time  the  Cradle  Roll  mothers  may  gather  by  themselves 
for  a  little  talk  about  their  own  problems. 

A  Mothers'  Club,  when  open  to  mothers  of  children 
of  all  ages,  may  be  carried  on  much  the  same  as  a 
Graded  Elementary  Union.  The  mothers  meet  to- 
gether to  listen  to  an  address  on  some  topic  of  mutual 
interest,  or  for  the  study  of  some  book;  then  for  fifteen 
minutes  or  a  half  hour  separate  into  groups,  in  each  of 
which  will  be  discussed  something  of  special  interest 
to  mothers  of  children  of  a  certain  age.  They  come 
together  again  for  a  closing  exercise  or  social  hour.  In 
this  way  each  mother  gains  help  in  solving  her  own 
particular  problems.  Where  the  organization  is  in- 
tended primarily  for  the  mothers  of  the  Elementary 
Division,  the  children  under  thirteen  years  of  age,  such 
a  system  is  practical.  The  mothers  of  the  Cradle  Roll, 
Beginners,  Primary,  and  Junior  children  will  each  meet 
by  themselves.  Where  a  mother  has  children  in  more 
than  one  Department,  she  will  then  select  the  topic  in 
which  she  is  most  interested  and  attend  that  dis- 
cussion. 


ja  ifHotberg'  ^uxiliarp  97 

To  quote  Mrs.  Heath  once  mere:  "The  organization 
should  be  very  simple,  and  the  meetings  informal. 
It  really  is  not  necessary  to  have  a  constitution.  The 
first  step  is  to  gather  the  mothers  together.  This  can 
be  done  in  various  ways:  interest  your  pastor  and 
superintendent;  put  notices  in  the  church  bulletin; 
ask  pastor  and  superintendent  to  say  a  few  words  from 
the  pulpit  indorsing  the  movement;  send  a  card  of 
invitation  home  by  the  children;  better  than  all  else, 
call  personally  upon  each  mother  and  invite  her." 

These  hints  were  added: 

Room:    This  should  be  made  most  attractive. 

Leader:  Appoint  the  most  consecrated  woman  in  your  church; 
a  mother  if  possible;   one  who  loves  God  and  httle  children. 

Name:    Mothers'  Association  of  the  Church,  or  a 

name  specially  suited  to  your  group. 

Object:  To  help  mothers  to  come  nearer  to  Christ;  to  instruct 
their  children  in  religious  truths,  and  to  raise  the  standard  of 
the  home. 

Officers:  President,  vice-president,  secretary  and  treasurer  and 
librarian. 

Dues:  It  is  not  necessary  to  have  dues,  but  if  you  must  have 
them,  let  them  be  small;  a  better  way  is  to  have  a  basket  on 
the  table  for  voluntary  offerings  at  the  close  of  the  meeting. 

Topics:  Simple,  practical  topics,  problems  mothers  have  met  in 
the  home.  A  program  for  a  season  can  be  arranged,  taking 
some  book  for  study  and  discussion,  or  individual  topics. 

Music:  The  best  obtainable.  Solos,  a  mothers'  chorus,  hymns 
and  children's  songs  used  in  Bible  school.  Mothers  ought  to 
be  famihar  with  these. 

Library:  Good  helpful  books  for  the  mothers  to  read.  These 
may  be  donated,  one  at  a  time,  or  bought  from  the  general 
fund,  and  loaned  to  the  members  of  the  association. 


98  ^Jje  Crable  l^oU  department 

Social  Hour:  Plan  for  this  at  the  close  of  the  session,  with  hght 
refreshments. 

Care  of  Children:  Provide  some  one  to  care  for  the  children  who 
cannot  be  left  at  home,  so  that  mothers  may  enjoy  the  meet- 
ing. 

Conference:  Will  the  mothers  talk?  Certainly;  every  mother 
desires  the  best  she  can  get  for  the  child;  if  she  cannot  get  it 
by  hstening,  she  will  ask  for  it. 

Parents^  Meetings:  The  father  has  a  responsibility  that  he  can- 
not shirk;  hold  a  parents'  meeting  now  and  then,  and  arrange 
a  program  that  will  interest  the  fathers  as  well  as  the  mothers. 
Educated  "parenthood"  will  bring  a  blessing  on  every  home, 
on  every  school,  on  every  nation  and  on  every  individual. 

All  this  applies  to  mothers'  meetings  in  general,  but 
the  Cradle  Roll  superintendent  will  find  in  it  that  which 
is  practical  for  her  organization. 

Long  ago  God  commanded  the  parents  in  Israel  to 
keep  the  commandments  and  to  teach  them  to  their 
children.  We  provide  for  the  physical  needs  of  our 
little  ones,  but  it  is  the  intention  of  God  that  they  be 
fed  with  the  Bread  of  life.  Yet  how  many  mothers  fail 
in  this  because  of  their  inability  to  tell  a  story,  par- 
ticularly a  Bible  story,  in  an  interesting  manner  to  a 
little  two-  or  three-year-old  child.  In  mothers'  clubs 
the  art  of  story-telling  may  be  a  part  of  the  practical 
work  carried  on,  and  here  the  mothers  will  learn  how  to 
tell  a  Bible  story. 

Although  a  Cradle  Roll  Auxiliary  may  be  carried  on 
very  successfully  without  a  constitution,  some  superin- 
tendents prefer  to  have  one.  The  following  may  be 
amended  or  altered  to  suit  local  conditions;  it  is  offered 
as  a  suggestive  guide. 


^  Moti)tv^'  ^uxiliarp  99 


CONSTITUTION    OF    CRADLE    ROLL    AUXILIARY 

Article  1 

NAME 

This  organization  shall  be  known  as  the  Cradle  Roll  Auxiliary 
of Sunday  School  of  . 

Article  2 
OBJECT 

The  object  of  this  Auxiliary  is  to  seek,  in  a  very  practical 
way,  Ught  in  dealing  with  the  problems  confronting  each  mother 
in  the  care  and  guidance  of  the  babies  in  our  homes. 

Article  3 
MEMBERSHIP 

Any  mother  who  has  a  child  on  the  Cradle  Roll  of  this  or  any 
other  Sunday  school  is  eligible  to  membership  in  this  Auxiliary. 

Article  4 

MOTTO 

The  motto  of  this  Auxihary  shall  be: 

"A  partnership  with  God  is  motherhood. 

What  strength,   what  purity,  what  self-control, 
What  love,  what  wisdom,  should  belong  to  her 
Who  helps  God  fashion  an  immortal  soul." 

Article  5 

PRAYER 

The  prayer  of  this  Auxiliary  shall  be : 

"God  help  us  mothers  all  to  Uve  aright. 

And  may  our  homes  all  truth  and  love  infold. 
Since  hfe  for  us  no  loftier  aim  can  hold 
Than  leading  httle  children  to  the  Ught." 


100  trtje  Crable  aaoU  department 

Article  6 
SONG 
The  song  of  this  Auxiliary  shall  be: 

"Up  to  me  sweet  childhood  looketh, 

Heart,  and  mind,  and  soul  awake; 
Teach  me  of  thy  ways,  O  Father, 

Teach  me  for  sweet  childhood's  sake. 
In  their  young  hearts  soft  and  tender, 

Guide  my  hand  good  seed  to  sow, 
That  its  blossoming  may  praise  thee 

Praise  thee  wheresoe'er  they  go. 

"Give  to  me  a  cheerful  spirit 

That  my  little  flock  may  see 
It  is  good  and  pleasant  service 

To  be  taught  of  thee. 
Father,  order  all  my  footsteps; 

So  direct  my  daily  way. 
That  in  following  me,  the  children 

May  not  go  astray. 

"Let  thy  holy  counsel  lead  me, 
Let  thy  light  before  me  shine. 
That  they  may  not  stumble  over 

Word  or  deed  of  mine. 
Draw  us  hand  in  hand  to  Jesus 
For  his  word's  sake,  unforgot, 
*  Let  the  little  ones  come  to  me, 
And  forbid  them  not.'" 

Article  7 
OFFICERS 
The  officers  of  this  Auxihary  shall  be  a  president,  vice-presi- 
dent,  secretary,   treasurer  and  librarian,   who  shall  be  elected 
at  the meeting  and  serve  for  one  year. 

Article  8 
DUTIES  OF  OFFICERS 

The  duties  of  the  first  four  officers  shall  be  those  that  usually 
pertain  to  such.  The  president  may  or  may  not  be  the  Cradle 
Roll  superintendent,  according  to  her  wishes  in  the  matter  and 
the   feeUng   of   the   Auxihary   members  on   the   subject.     The 


^  Moti)tv9i'  ^uxiiiatp  101 

librarian  shall  have  charge  of  the  Auxihary  library  and  look  after 
the  proper  distribution  of  books  and  other  literature — also  secure 
subscriptions  to  the  various  mothers'  magazines,  and  attend  to 
the  ordering  of  the  same. 

Article  9 
QUORUM 

members  shall  constitute  a  quorum  for  the  transaction  of 

any  special  business. 

Article  10 
MEETINGS 

Regular  meetings  shall  be  held  the of  each  month.     All 

meetings  to  be  held  in  the  church  parlors,  unless  otherwise  agreed 
upon. 

Article  11 
DUES 

The  annual  dues  shall  be ,  payable  at  the 

meeting. 

Article  12 
COMMITTEES 

A  Program  Committee  shall  be  appointed  at  the  annual 
meeting  to  prepare  a  tentative  program  and  submit  it  to  the  mem- 
bers at  the  next  regular  monthly  meeting  for  their  approval. 

A  Social  Committee  appointed  at  the  same  time  shall  pro- 
vide refreshments  at  each  of  the  regular  meetings  throughout 
the  year,  and  endeavor  to  promote  a  spirit  of  friendship  among 
the  members. 

A  Mothers'  Help  Committee  shall  look  after  the  small  chil- 
dren brought  to  the  meetings,  and  care  for  them  in  a  room  adjoin- 
ing that  in  which  the  meeting  is  held,  so  that  the  mothers  may 
be  free  to  enjoy  the  program.  On  this  committee  each  of  the 
mothers  shall  serve  in  turn,  thus  distributing  the  work. 

Article  13 
CRADLE  ROLL 
The  Cradle  Roll  Auxihary  meetings  shall  not  in  any  way 
conflict  with  those  of  the  Cradle  Roll  Department.  The  mem- 
bers are  pledged  to  assist  the  Cradle  Roll  superintendent  in 
every  way  possible,  particularly  by  attendance  upon  every  party 
and  pubhc  service  in  which  the  Department  has  a  part. 


102  tlTije  Crable  i^oU  department 

One  Auxiliary,  in  connection  with  its  regular  work, 
maintains  a  nursery  at  the  church.  This  was  fitted 
up  by  the  members,  each  contributing  something  in 
the  way  of  equipment  or  money.  Here  the  little  ones 
are  cared  for  during  the  sessions  of  the  Auxiliary,  and 
on  Sunday  morning  two  of  the  mothers  are  in  church 
to  look  after  the  little  ones  who  may  be  brought  by 
their  parents.  They  are  kind  enough  not  to  limit  the 
use  of  the  room  to  members  only,  but  any  child  under 
six  may  be  left  there. 

Definite  study  of  the  various  mothers'  magazines  or 
of  some  good  book  has  been  found  most  helpful.  Such 
books  as  ''Study  of  Child  Nature"  by  Elizabeth  Harri- 
son; ''The  Unfolding  Life"  by  Mrs.  A.  A.  Lamoreaux; 
^'Stories  and  Story-Telling"  by  St.  John;  "The  Dawn 
of  Character"  by  Mumford;  "Child  Nature  and  Child 
Nurture"  by  St.  John;  "How  to  Tell  Stories  to  Chil- 
dren"; "Children's  Rights";  and  others  of  this  char- 
acter, have  opened  up  a  new  world  to  many  a  mother 
when  studied  under  the  leadership  of  a  capable  in- 
structor. 

Such  practical  things  as  the  maintenance  of  a  Dorcas 
fund,  consisting  of  outgrown  baby-clothes,  which  are 
passed  along  to  other  mothers,  is  a  part  of  some  Auxil- 
iary work. 

Where  refreshments  are  served  they  should  be  very 
simple.  A  cup  of  tea  or  chocolate,  and  wafers,  will  be 
found  sufficient.  A  pretty  custom  is  to  have  as  "guests 
of  honor"  those  whose  birthdays  have  occurred  during 
the  month.    Another  is  to  reverse  this  order  and  have 


JI  jHotijerss'  ^uxiliarp  103 

these  favored  mothers  give  a  ''birthday  party"  to  the 
others,  they  being  the  hostesses. 

A  pretty  little  reminder  which  the  superintendent 
might  send  to  each  mother  in  the  Auxiliary  is  a  cal- 
endar. On  a  regular  mount  or  piece  of  cardboard 
place  a  picture  of  a  baby,  and  underneath  a  tiny  cal- 
endar pad.  On  each  page  mark  in  red  ink  the  date  of 
the  meeting.  Across  the  top  of  the  card  write  or  print 
the  one  word  ''Remember."  A  little  ribbon  loop  by 
which  to  hang  the  calendar  completes  it. 


APPENDIX 

program  jUaterial  for  g)pecial  ^rogramsf 

PRAYERS 

1 
God  Bless  the  Babies  on  the  Cradle  Roll. 
Bless  Them,  and  Keep  Them  Throughout  Each  Glad  Day, 
Watch  Them  in  Daylight  and  Guard  Them  in  Darkness; 
May  they  Grow  Gentler  and  Sweeter  Each  Day. 


"Bless  All  our  Cradle  Babies, 

Wherever  They  may  be; 
Although  in  Homes  so  Scattered, 

Thou  Every  One  Dost  See. 
W^E  Love  Them,  and  Thou  Lovest  Them, 

Oh,  May  They  Grow  to  be 
A  Band  of  Little  Christians, 

Obedient,  Lord,  to  Thee." 

3 
"Heavenly  Father,  hear  our  prayer; 
Keep  within  thy  constant  care 
This  dear  baby  thou  hast  sent. 
To  its  loving  parents  lent. 
To  be  taught  and  trained  for  you. 
May  our  school  its  mission  do. 
Love  and  pray  for,  guard  it,  too." 

4 
"We  bring  another  baby. 

Dear  Lord,  to  thee  to-day. 
Thou  lovest  these  tiny  children, 
Caring  for  them  alway. 
105 


106  ^Jje  Crable  iaoU  Bepartment 

Help  us,  as  older  children, 
To  set  them  examples  good; 

Showing  them  love  and  kindness, 
As  those  who  know  thee  should.' 


5 
"God  bless  and  keep  the  children  dear 
Upon  this  Cradle  Roll. 
May  Jesus  light  their  pathway  here, 
And  heaven  be  theii*  goal." 

6 
"Heavenly  Father,  bless  this  baby. 
Guide  his  tender  httle  feet. 
May  we  older  children  help  him 
To  be  gentle,  kind  and  sweet." 


"Heavenly  Father,  guide  and  keep 
In  thy  loving  care; 
These  dear  babies  while  they  sleep 
Here,  and  everywhere." 

8 
'Jesus,  bless  our  Cradle  Roll  babies 

Here  at  home,  and  across  the  sea; 
Care  for  them,  and  their  fathers  and  mothers. 
Wherever  they  may  be." 

9 
"God,  our  Father,  how  we  thank  thee. 
When  the  tiny  babes  we  see; 
And  we  know  that  as  we  help  them. 
We  are  really  helping  thee." 

10 

"Jesus,  bless  this  little  baby 
We  welcome  here  to-day; 
May  the  angels  guard  her  (his)  cradle 
Keep  her  (him)  in  thy  care,  we  pray." 


JProgram  jUaterial  for  Special  programs;      107 

CRADLE  ROLL  WELCOME  VERSES 
1 
**  Another  little  baby  girl  (boy) 

Whose  name  we  have  to-day 
We  are  glad  to  add  to  the  Cradle  Roll 

Until  she  (he)  comes  to  stay. 
We'll  watch,  and  care,  and  pray  for  her  (him) 

And  hope  it  will  not  be  long 
Until  she  (he)  comes  to  Sunday  school 

Then  we  II  sing  for  her  (him)  this  song : 

"Clirist  was  once  a  little  baby 
Just  hke  you  and  me, 
Born  in  Bethlehem,  of  Judah, 

Far  across  the  sea; 
No  room  for  the  Uttle  Jesus 
Could  be  found  on  earth; 
And  a  stable  dark  and  dreary 
Was  his  place  of  birth." 
(Song  from  "The  Primary  and  Junior  Hymnal") 

2 

"In  our  pretty  cradle  here 
Place  the  baby's  name  so  dear; 
Jesus,  ever  bless  and  keep 
With  thy  love,  so  true  and  deep." 

3 

"We  have  placed  dear  baby's  name 

On  our  Cradle  Roll  to-day; 
May  the  loving  Saviour  bless  him 

All  along  his  earthly  way. 
And  at  last  when  life  is  over, 

In  the  many  mansions  fair, 
May  his  name  be  found  forever 

In  the  Father's  record  there." 

4 
"Another  new  baby  we  welcome  to-day. 
To  him  a  new  name  has  been  given; 
We'll  give  him  a  place  on  our  dear  Cradle  Roll 
For  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of  heaven." 


108  ^f)e  Crable  aaoU  department 

5 
"Here's  our  pretty  cradle, 
Tied  with  ribbons  gay; 
Many  names  we've  laid  within  it — 

More  in  it  we'll  lay; 
Rock,  rock,  pretty  cradle, 
This  glad  day  enrolled 

Are  names  of  precious  babies 

Safe  for  you  to  hold." 

6 

"Little  cradle,  do  you  think, 

With  your  pretty  bows  of  pink, 

You  can  faithful  be  and  true 

To  the  name  we  trust  to  you? 

"As  we  lay  it  gently  there 
We  will  add  this  loving  prayer 
That  the  little  baby  face 
In  our  class  may  find  a  place." 


Date  Due 

vJe  2  7  '40 

F  13  3  ■/;->, 

0  ^  .     J.J 

4<r 

D 

' 

^ 

^ 

/ 

1    1012  01040  5670 


